Messi also scored two brilliant goals during the 2-0 win
HIGHLIGHTS
Lionel Messi was in top form, scoring two incredible left-footed goals in Argentina’s win over Peru. He played a full 90 minutes after being sidelined with a muscle tissue injury. Argentina remains unbeaten in World Cup qualifying, with four wins out of four. They lead the South American qualifying stage by five points, ahead of Uruguay, Brazil, and Venezuela. Messi’s performance impressed his manager and he showcased his incredible skill, leaving social media buzzing. Argentina is compared to Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona team by Messi himself.
Lionel Messi was back to his very best as Argentina beat Peru 2-0 in their World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night. The Inter Miami star has been sidelined recently due to a muscle tissue injury and had only appeared as a substitute in Argentina’s narrow 1-0 victory over Paraguay a few days previously. But Messi played a full 90 minutes during the win over Peru – and was absolutely sensational throughout.
Messi scored twice in the first half with two superb left-footed strikes as the World Cup winners made it four wins out of four in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. In the 32nd minute he gave his side the lead with a ridiculous finish from Nicolas Gonzalez’s pull back. Ten minutes later, he doubled Argentina’s lead with a fine finish from Endo Fernandez’s assist. Superb.
VIDEO: Lionel Messi’s first goal vs Peru
VIDEO: Lionel Messi’s second goal vs Peru
“Another important win in Lima to keep moving together,” Messi wrote on Instagram after the game. “Let’s go!”
His manager, Lionel Scaloni, could barely believe the performance Messi had produced after his recent injury issues. “I saw Messi as if he had not been injured or stopped,” he said.
But Messi didn’t just score twice against Peru. His was sensational throughout and there was one moment in the first half that set social media alight. With his back to goal, Messi appeared to be surrounded by a pair of Peruvians before twisting and turning sending one of them down to the ground and skipping past another. Scaloni, who was standing just inches away on the touchline, appeared to celebrate Messi’s incredible piece of skill by putting his hands up.