LIMA, Perú.- With two goals scored by Lionel Messi in the first half, Argentina defeated Peru away 0-2 this Thursday and reaffirmed their perfect run at the top of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

Twelve points out of a possible twelve and with three immediate pursuers trailing by five points.

Messi showcased all his technical skills to tip the balance in favor of the Albiceleste with two precise shots at 32 and 42 minutes into the match at the National Stadium in Lima.

The world champions faced a Peru side seeking better luck, but despite having a couple of clear chances in the first half, they felt the pressure of having to escape from the second-to-last position in the qualifiers, where they ultimately remain.

After controlling the ball in their half for most of the first half, Argentina only needed to launch a deep attack at 32 minutes for Messi to open the scoring with a lofted shot from the center of the box after a cross from the left by Nico González.

Ten minutes later, the Argentinians sent another swift counterattack, and Messi increased the lead after a cross from Enzo Fernández which Julián Álvarez missed but left open for Messi to fire a low shot from the edge of the box, leaving goalkeeper Pedro Gallese with no chance.

The Peruvians felt the impact of these goals, which came after they had balanced the play and even launched two deep attacks, poorly dealt with by defender Luis Abram and by Paolo Guerrero, who tested the reflexes of Dibu Martínez with a powerful shot from the right.

From then on, Argentina maintained clear superiority in play and controlled all attempts by a Peruvian side that brought in Renato Tapia, Bryan Reyna, Miguel Trauco, and Joao Grimaldo at the start of the second half.

With Guerrero among the players leaving the pitch, Peru refreshed their offensive line but lacked depth, as most of their attempts dissipated on the lines, despite the efforts of Reyna, Grimaldo, and Zanelatto. In his absolute debut with the Peruvian side, Zanelatto was the standout player for the hosts until he left the field at the 67th minute, replaced by Sergio Peña.

Beyond these sporadic attempts, Argentina kept control of the game and even scored a third goal at 60 minutes, which was disallowed by the referee after checking the VAR for an offside.

At the 77th minute, Lionel Scaloni brought in Lautaro Martínez, Giovani Lo Celso, and Marcos Acuña, replacing Julián Álvarez, Rodrigo De Paul, and Nicolás Tagliafico. This didn't change the flow of the game and Argentina's solid formation continued to dominate in the Peruvian capital.

Match details:

Peru: Pedro Gallese, Luis Advíncula, Luis Abram, Anderson Santamaría (subbed at 46', Renato Tapia), Nilson Loyola (subbed at 46', Miguel Trauco), Yosimar Yotún, Franco Zanelatto (subbed at 67', Sergio Peña), Wilmer Cartagena, Andy Polo (subbed at 46', Bryan Reyna), André Carrillo, and Paolo Guerrero (subbed at 46', Joao Grimaldo).

Coach: Juan Reynoso

Argentina: Emiliano Martínez, Gonzalo Montiel (subbed at 33', Lucas Martínez Quarta), Nicolás Otamendi, Cristian Romero (subbed at 48', Germán Pezzella), Nicolás Tagliafico (subbed at 77', Marcos Acuña), Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul (subbed at 77', Giovanni Lo Celso), Lionel Messi, Nicolás González, and Julián Álvarez (subbed at 77', Lautaro Martínez).

Coach: Lionel Scaloni.

Goals: 0-1, 32': Messi; 0-2, 42': Messi.

Referee: Venezuelan Jesús Valenzuela, assisted by his compatriots Jorge Urrego and Tulio Moreno. He showed yellow cards to Yoshimar Yotún and Luis Advíncula.

Notes: The final match of the fourth round of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup was played at the National Stadium in Lima.