Lionel Messi of Argentina competes for the ball with Wilder Cartagena of Peru throughout a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Peru and Argentina at Estadio Nacional de Lima on October 17, 2023 in Lima, Peru
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Lionel Messi grow to be the all-time prime scorer in South American World Cup qualifying on Tuesday after netting each targets in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Peru in Lima.
Messi, who was included within the squad regardless of having been sidelined in latest weeks with a muscle drawback, got here on as a substitute in Thursday’s 1-0 win over Paraguay however was on the pitch from the beginning of the sport in Lima.
The 36-year-old put the world champions forward within the thirty second minute with an outstanding shot after an help from Nicolas Gonzalez, and made it 2-0 10 minutes later with a fierce end from Enzo Fernandez’s cross.
Messi, who was denied a hat-trick within the second half when he had a objective disallowed for offside following a VAR assessment, turned CONMEBOL’s main scorer in World Cup qualifiers together with his double taking his tally to 31, breaking a tie with Uruguay’s Luis Suarez.
“This team is incredible, every time they play they are very close to being the best in history,” Messi stated.
“On a game level I think we have grown. After winning the World Cup we are confident, very loose, more united and firm. Hopefully we can continue to grow,” he added.
Coach Lionel Scaloni stated Argentina’s gamers have been on the identical wavelength as Messi, who’s planning to retire earlier than the 2026 World Cup.
“The team has understood Messi for a long time, it benefits him and he feels comfortable,” he added. “I hope he plays as much as he can because everyone is happy to see him on the pitch.”
In different qualifiers on Tuesday, Uruguay beat Brazil 2-0 with Neymar compelled to depart the sector after struggling what seemed to be a severe knee harm.
Venezuela cruised previous Chile 3-0, Paraguay beat 1-0 Bolivia and Ecuador draw 0-0 in opposition to Colombia.
Argentina, who stay prime of the CONMEBOL standings, will host Uruguay on November 16 earlier than taking over Brazil 5 days later.
Peru face Bolivia and Venezuela within the subsequent spherical of qualifiers.
