Staff Reporter.
Lionel Messi proved he is back to full fitness after scoring both goals in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Peru in their 2026 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.
Messi, who was included in the squad despite having been sidelined in recent weeks with a muscle problem, came on as a substitute in Thursday’s 1-0 win over Paraguay but was on the pitch from the start of the game in Lima.
The 36-year-old put the world champions ahead in the 32nd minute with a superb shot after an assist from Nicolas Gonzalez, and made it 2-0 10 minutes later with a fierce finish from Enzo Fernandez’s pass.
Messi was denied a hat-trick in the second half after he had a goal disallowed for offside following a VAR review.
“Yes, we have a good group and a good environment in our dressing room and things are much easier. We enjoy being together and playing together,” Messi said. “After we won the World Cup we got confidence, we are more united and firm. I hope we can keep growing.”
Messi increased his total to 106 goals in 178 international appearances, moving within two of Iran’s Ali Daei for second on the career list behind Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo at 127.
In other qualifiers on Tuesday, Uruguay beat Brazil 2-0 with Neymar forced to leave the field after suffering what appeared to be a serious knee injury.
“In the short run we need to be realistic, we need to improve,” Brazil captain Casemiro said. “For Neymar to leave the match it is surely something serious. But I hope it isn’t at the end. He has had those injuries whenever he starts picking up his pace again, it is hard.”
Venezuela cruised past Chile 3-0, Paraguay beat Bolivia 1-0 and Ecuador draw 0-0 against Colombia.
“We had to play against a tough and direct rival,” Núñez said. “Today we made history.”
Argentina, who remain top of the Conmebol standings, will host Uruguay on 16 November before taking on Brazil five days later.