Lionel Messi scores brace, most World Cup qualifying goals in CONMEBOL history

Lionel Messi scored two goals as Argentina extended their perfect start to South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday with a 2-0 victory over Peru.

The Inter Miami star took his international goal tally to 106 with strikes in the 32nd and 42nd minutes at Lima’s Estadio Nacional.

Messi’s first-half brace left reigning world champions Argentina on top of the South American qualifying table with 12 points from four games, five points clear of Uruguay, Brazil and Venezuela, who all have seven points.

Restored to the starting line-up after coming off the bench in last Thursday’s 1-0 win over Paraguay, Messi showed no sign of the injuries that have recently limited his appearances in Major League Soccer.

#PER 0-1 #ARG | 32’ PT | ¡Gol de Argentina! Contraataque perfecto conducido por Enzo Fernández, centro de Nico González al corazón del área y gran definición de Leo Messi para vencer a Gallese#SomosMundiales pic.twitter.com/8f7HiDnRmT

— TVP (@TV_Publica) October 18, 2023

The 36-year-old crashed home an emphatic opener just after the half-hour mark, then added a second 10 minutes later after good work by Enzo Fernandez down the left flank.

This angle shows Alvarez leaving the ball for Messi, who then scores. Perfection. https://t.co/iehwNShImK

— J. 🇵🇸 (@Messilizer0) October 18, 2023

The win leaves Argentina firmly on track to return to the World Cup finals in 2026, which are being expanded to include 48 teams and will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The top six teams in South America’s 10-team qualifying competition will be guaranteed a place at the finals.