Argentina were twice pegged back as Peru battled for a 2-2 World Cup-qualifying draw in Lima on Thursday night.
Ramiro Funes Mori had put the 2014 World Cup finalists ahead in the 16th minute with his first international goal, only for Paolo Guerrero to equalise on 58 minutes.
And after Gonzalo Higuain had edged the visitors ahead for a second time in the 78th minute, Christian Cueva kept his cool to convert an 84th-minute penalty.
The result left Argentina fifth in the South American-qualifying-zone standings, albeit level on 16 points with third-placed Ecuador and fourth-placed Colombia -- three points behind leaders Uruguay after nine games.
Everton defender Funes Mori was the unlikely first scorer, sweeping home a loose ball after the home team had failed to deal with a corner.
And it remained 1-0 until just before the hour mark, when Flamengo striker Guerrero latched on to a long ball and lashed home a fine leveller.
Peru were looking dangerous, but it was Argentina who netted next, Higuain finishing off a brilliant run into the area with a fine chip for his 32nd goal for his country.
But the spirited hosts got the chance to secure a share of the spoils soon after, when Guerrero was bundled over in the penalty box following a defensive mix-up. Cueva coolly fired home the spot kick.