In the 2026 World Cup qualifying match that took place today in Lima, Argentina defeated Peru by a score of 2-0, and Lionel Messi’s two goals, both of which were taken with great skill, helped Argentina extend their amazing unbeaten streak.
The talisman for Argentina’s national team made a dramatic comeback to form by scoring two unforgettable goals in rapid succession. These goals marked the team’s return to form. Since the 20th of September, Messi did not start a game prior to this one.
Messi sneaked his way up to the top of the box in the 32nd minute and waited for the inevitable cutback. It was given by Nico Gonzalez, who slipped a pass precisely onto the left foot of the seven-time winner of the Ballon d’Or. The player then fired a powerful finish into the top corner of the net.
His second goal, which he scored in the 42nd minute, was eerily similar to the first, albeit it had a lower finish off Enzo Fernandez’s pass, which rendered the Peru custodian powerless.
In the second half, Messi had a goal disallowed for offside after a review by the video assistant referee (VAR), which prevented him from scoring a hat trick.
Now in his career, Messi has scored 31 goals in World Cup qualifying, which sets a new record for CONMEBOL.
With twelve points after four matches, Argentina is in first place in the CONMEBOL standings.