Lionel Messi scored two goals as Argentina continued their perfect start to the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Peru.
The Inter Miami star took his international goal tally to 106 with strikes in the 32nd and 42nd minutes at Lima’s Estadio Naciona.
Messi’s double in the first half elevated the reigning world champions to the top of the South American qualifying table with 12 points from four games.
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This has established a five-point advantage over Uruguay, Brazil and Venezuela, all of whom have seven points.
Messi returned to the starting lineup following his substitute appearance in last Thursday’s 1-0 victory against Paraguay and displayed no indications of the injuries that had restricted his appearances in Major League Soccer.
Just past the half-hour mark, the 36-year-old slammed in a powerful opening goal and added a second 10 minutes later thanks to Enzo Fernandez’s excellent work on the left.
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With this victory, Argentina remains firmly on course to secure their spot in the 2026 World Cup finals, which are set to feature 48 teams and will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
