Superstar Lionel Messi scored 2 goals to help Argentina overcome Peru in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

On the morning of October 18, the Argentina team had a trip to Peru’s field in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. This match also marked the day Messi returned to the starting lineup after a period of time on the sidelines due to injury. Immediately, the 36-year-old superstar shined.

In fact, Peru also played not bad in the first minutes. This team’s fierce pursuit style also causes certain difficulties for the world champions. However, the turning point came in the 32nd minute when Messi opened the scoring with a delicate left-footed shot inside the penalty area.

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Messi scored 2 goals against Peru in the first half

This goal also helped Messi surpass Luis Suarez to monopolize the record of the player scoring the most goals in the history of World Cup qualifying in South America.

Not stopping, just 10 minutes later, Messi continued to speak. In a position and shot angle similar to the first goal, the owner of 7 Golden Balls did not miss. Witnessing Messi’s brilliance, many Peruvian fans even had to applaud.

With a two-goal lead, Argentina played leisurely entering the second half. Messi seemed to have completed his hat-trick when he scored a goal from close range in the 58th minute. However, after consulting VAR , the referee decided to cancel this goal due to offside.

In the end, Argentina defeated Peru 2-0 and maintained the leading position in the regional qualifiers with a maximum of 12 points after 4 matches. The competition ends, Messi and his teammates will return to their parent club to prepare for the series of matches on the weekend.