- Lionel Messi sets a new record as the all-time top goalscorer in South American World Cup qualifying history with 31 goals.
- Argentina’s team is performing exceptionally well, and Messi believes they could be the best in the nation’s history.
- Argentina remains at the top of the Conmebol standings, steadily progressing towards World Cup qualification.
Superstar forward scores both goals in 2-0 win to become the all-time top goalscorer in South American qualifying history
Lionel Messi, the star forward for Argentina, etched his name in football history yet again as he scored both goals in a 2-0 victory over Peru during the South American World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday. This win catapulted Messi to a new milestone, making him the all-time top goalscorer in South American World Cup qualifying history.
Despite being sidelined in recent weeks due to a muscle problem, the 36-year-old Inter Miami superstar started the game and showcased his prowess by netting his 30th and 31st goals in World Cup qualifying matches. His first goal came in the 32nd minute, a remarkable shot after an assist from Nicolas Gonzalez. Just ten minutes later, Messi struck again, securing Argentina’s lead with a fierce finish from Enzo Fernandez’s pass.
“This team is incredible, every time they play they are very close to being the best in history,” Messi stated, expressing his confidence in the current Argentine team and their potential legacy in the nation’s football history. Messi famously led Argentina to their third World Cup title in Qatar last year, further fueling the excitement and hope for their future performances.
In the game, Messi was denied a hat-trick when a goal was disallowed for offside following a VAR review, but this did not dampen the celebratory atmosphere. Argentina’s manager, Lionel Scaloni, echoed Messi’s sentiment about the team’s cohesion, emphasizing their understanding of Messi’s style of play and the positive impact it has on the team’s dynamics.
Looking ahead, Argentina, currently leading the Conmebol standings, will face Uruguay on November 16 and Brazil five days later, continuing their journey towards the 2026 World Cup. Meanwhile, Peru will take on Bolivia and Venezuela in the upcoming rounds of qualifiers.
In other matches on Tuesday, Uruguay secured a surprising 2-0 victory against Brazil, while Venezuela triumphed over Chile with a 3-0 win. Paraguay also clinched a 1-0 victory against Bolivia, and Ecuador held Colombia to a goalless draw. The intense competition in the South American World Cup qualifying continues, shaping the landscape for the next World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
