Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring towards Peru in a FIFA World Cup qualifier. AP
Lionel Messi scored two objectives as Argentina prolonged their good begin to South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday with a 2-0 victory over Peru.
The Inter Miami star took his worldwide purpose tally to 106 with strikes within the thirty second and forty second minutes at Lima’s Estadio Nacional.
Messi’s first-half brace left reigning world champions Argentina on high of the South American qualifying desk with 12 factors from 4 video games, 5 factors away from Uruguay, Brazil and Venezuela, who all have seven factors.
Restored to the beginning line-up after coming off the bench in final Thursday’s 1-0 win over Paraguay, Messi confirmed no signal of the accidents which have lately restricted his appearances in Main League Soccer.
The 36-year-old crashed dwelling an emphatic opener simply after the half-hour mark, then added a second 10 minutes later after good work by Enzo Fernandez down the left flank.
The win leaves Argentina firmly on observe to return to the World Cup finals in 2026, that are being expanded to incorporate 48 groups and can be co-hosted by america, Mexico and Canada.
The highest six groups in South America’s 10-team qualifying competitors can be assured a spot on the finals.