The captain had another magnificent performance as Lionel Scaloni’s undefeated 2026 World Cup qualifying squad rode on his shoulders to victory.

Was there really any other outcome possible? Is it possible that Lionel Messi may disappear for a whole month? Even while the Argentine hasn’t been 100% healthy or in top shape in recent weeks, he hasn’t slowed down much, either. On Tuesday night, he displayed this by scoring twice as Argentina easily defeated Peru, 2-0, in World Cup qualifying.

There were warnings from the get-go. Early on, the Argentine embarked on one of his trademark mazy runs, and Messi curled a free kick that stung the hands of Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.

And then there were targets. The first was a fantastic attempt, a controlled volley from the top of the box following a cutback from Nico Gonzalez that sailed into the top corner. The second appeared to be nearly identical, other from the fact that it was struck lower and to the right of the keeper.

After the halftime, he nearly scored a hat trick, but a tap-in was rightfully disallowed by the video assistant referees. Peru pressed for an equalizer and had some promising offensive moments, but Lionel Scaloni’s stalwart Argentine defense held firm to cap a perfect evening for his team.

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.

Midfield

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.