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Lionel Messi has unequivocally demonstrated his return to peak physical condition by netting both goals in Argentina‘s 2-0 victory over Peru during their 2026 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.
Despite recent weeks of sidelining due to a muscle issue, Messi’s inclusion in the squad was validated. He had made a substitute appearance in Thursday’s 1-0 triumph over Paraguay but started the game in Lima.
The 36-year-old maestro secured the lead for the reigning champions in the 32nd minute with a sensational strike, capitalizing on an assist from Nicolas Gonzalez. Just ten minutes later, he extended the lead to 2-0 with a powerful finish following Enzo Fernandez’s precise pass.
Messi’s pursuit of a hat-trick in the second half was thwarted as his goal was disallowed for offside following a VAR review.
In other Tuesday qualifiers, Uruguay emerged victorious against Brazil with a 2-0 scoreline, marred by Neymar‘s unfortunate departure from the field due to a severe-looking knee injury.
Venezuela sailed to a comfortable 3-0 win over Chile, Paraguay clinched a narrow 1-0 victory over Bolivia and Ecuador settled for a goalless draw against Colombia.
Maintaining their position at the top of the CONMEBOL standings, Argentina are scheduled to host Uruguay on November 16 before facing Brazil five days later.
Peru, on the other hand, are set to confront Bolivia and Venezuela in the upcoming round of qualifiers.
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