The captain produced another memorable night for Lionel Scaloni’s side to stay undefeated in 2026 World Cup qualifying.
Was anything else to be expected? Could Lionel Messi really go missing for a month? The Argentine may not have been in fine form – or entirely fit – in recent weeks, but he isn’t exactly slowing down, either. He showed such on Tuesday night, scoring twice as Argentina cruised to a 2-0 win over Peru in World Cup qualifying.
The signs were there early on. The Argentine went on a signature mazy run in the opening minutes, and Messi curled a free-kick that stung the palms of Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
Then the goals came. The first was a wonderful effort, a controlled volley from the top of the box that flew into the top corner off a Nico Gonzalez cutback. The second looked much the same, struck from the same spot but hit lower and to the keeper’s right.
He almost had a third after the break, but saw a tap-in correctly ruled out after a VAR review. Peru pushed for a way back into the game, and enjoyed some attacking spells, but a resolute Argentina defence comfortably held onto the lead to complete an ideal night for Lionel Scaloni’s side.
(Goal)
