da fezbet： The captain produced another memorable night for Lionel Scaloni's side to stay undefeated in 2026 World Cup qualifying.
da brdice： Was anything else to be expected? Could Lionel Messi really go missing for a month? The Argentine may not have been in fine form – or entirely fit – in recent weeks, but he isn't exactly slowing down, either. He showed such on Tuesday night, scoring twice as Argentina cruised to a 2-0 win over Peru in World Cup qualifying.
The signs were there early on. The Argentine went on a signature mazy run in the opening minutes, and Messi curled a free-kick that stung the palms of Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
Then the goals came. The first was a wonderful effort, a controlled volley from the top of the box that flew into the top corner off a Nico Gonzalez cutback. The second looked much the same, struck from the same spot but hit lower and to the keeper's right.
He almost had a third after the break, but saw a tap-in correctly ruled out after a VAR review. Peru pushed for a way back into the game, and enjoyed some attacking spells, but a resolute Argentina defence comfortably held onto the lead to complete an ideal night for Lionel Scaloni's side.
GOAL rates Argentina's players from Estadio Nacional de Lima…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Emiliano Martinez (6/10):
Almost lobbed after 30 minutes. Made a couple of good saves. He will take the clean sheet.
Gonzalo Montiel (5/10):
Some suspect defending almost left Argentina exposed early. Subbed off after 34 minutes with an injury.
Cristian Romero (7/10):
As hard in a tackle as expected, and involved in the build up to the second goal. Replaced in the second half with apparent discomfort.
Nicolas Otamendi (6/10):
Rarely threatened, and solid when he had to recover.
Nico Tagliofico (7/10):
Did his defensive stuff well, and offered valuable width down the left.
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Rodrigo De Paul (6/10):
Full of grit, hard in a tackle. Not quite as expansive on the ball.
Alexis Mac Allister (7/10):
A solid all-round midfield performance. Won the ball back, kept things ticking along.
Enzo Fernandez (8/10):
Assisted Messi's second with a fine cut-back. Ran the game from midfield. A fine showing.
Attack
Lionel Messi (9/10):
Put a free-kick on target early on. Didn't touch the ball much for long periods of the first half. Scored one great goal, one very good one, and had another ruled out.
Julian Alvarez (7/10):
A wonderful dummy set up Messi's second. His movement was mostly excellent.
Nico Gonzalez (7/10):
Lively and expansive down the left and assisted Messi's first goal. May have done enough to be a regular in this side.
Subs & Manager
Lucas Quarta (6/10):
A solid showing after coming on in the first half.
German Pezzella (6/10):
Didn't have much to do when introduced for the injured Romero.
Marcos Acuna (6/10):
Valuable legs at left-back when Tagliafico tired.
Giovani Lo Celso (N/A):
No time to make an impact
Lautauro Martinez (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Lionel Scaloni (8/10):
Went for a similar side to the one that started the final in Qatar last winter, and everything was very easy. Argentina were relatively solid, and his star man chipped in. He will take the three points in hostile territory.