Key Takeaways
- Lionel Messi scored a brace, securing a 2‑0 win for Argentina over Peru.
- Argentina maintained a perfect start in the South American qualifiers, staying top of the group.
- Other qualifiers saw Uruguay beat Brazil, Paraguay beat Bolivia, and Venezuela beat Chile, shaping the early standings.
Lima: Lionel Messi scored two first-half goals as Argentina eased to a 2-0 away victory over Peru in their FIFA World Cup qualifier here on Tuesday.
Messi gave his side the lead just after the half hour mark by thumping a first-time effort into the top-right corner after Nicola’s Gonzalez’s cross.
The reigning world champions made it 2-0 on the stroke of halftime after Julian Alvarez let Enzo Fernandez‘s cross passed through his legs and Messi rifled home a low finish from 16 yards.
The result at Estadio Nacional in Lima keeps Argentina’s perfect start to the South American zone qualifiers intact.
Lionel Scaloni men now have four wins from as many matches and hold a five-point lead over second-placed Uruguay.
Peru is ninth in the 10-team standings with just one point so far.
Elsewhere in South Americas’ qualifying group on Tuesday, Uruguay won 2-0 at home to Brazil, Ecuador was held to a goalless home draw by Colombia, Paraguay clinched a 1-0 home win over Bolivia, and Venezuela cruised to a 3-0 home win over Chile.
