With a blazing performance from Lionel Messi, Argentina tipped Peru 2-0, keeping their momentum alive in the South American qualifiers.
The National Stadium of Lima witnessed a football spectacle as the current world champions asserted themselves on the pitch. On the fourth matchday of the 2026 South American Qualifiers, Argentina secured a 2-0 win over Peru, strengthening their position as the clear leaders in the standings.
The match started with Peru pressing to control the tempo, forcing Argentina to chase play as the Peruvian defense stood firm. Despite the early pressure, opportunities arose for the visitors through patient build-up and coordinated movements in attack. The Argentine players began to unlock spaces, gradually breaking through Peru’s organized lines.
That persistence paid off with a breakthrough goal: a sharp counterattack finished by Enzo Fernández, with Nico González providing the crucial support in midfield as Messi moved forward to align himself for the finish.
The second goal arrived in a manner typical of Messi’s career: he slowed the game to his pace, held the crescent of the penalty area, and drew defenders toward him before unleashing a precise, low strike that found the far corner and left the goalkeeper with no chance.
The end result reflected Argentina’s overall control: a team that defended with intensity from back to front, operated with a compact and dynamic midfield, and showcased creative finishing in the final third. The performance reinforced the impression of a squad firing on all cylinders, capable of delivering consistent results while maintaining a strong defensive posture.
With the victory, Argentina extended their undefeated run and continued to concede no goals. The team will return to action in November, hosting Uruguay before traveling to Brazil in the next round of the World Cup qualifiers.
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[Citation: Goal]