Lionel Messi played an important role once more as his Argentina side beat Peru 2-0 in Lima. Nicolas Gonzalez opened the scoring for Argentina after 17 minutes, before Inter Milan's Lautaro doubled their lead in the 29th minute.
Although the Barcelona forward did not score in the game, he played a crucial performance to help Argentina to second place in the CONMEBOL qualifying standings, and in touching distance of Brazil. The victory will give Argentina a lot of encouragement as they go into 2021 in one of the four qualifying positions for the 2022 World Cup under Lionel Scaloni. Speaking in the aftermath of the game, Messi was rightfully pleased with his team's display against Peru.
"We played a great game. We must continue to follow in this path and whenever the coach wants me to play, i'll be there," he said. Winning in Lima is by no means an easy feat and is a place Argentina have struggled with in previous qualifying campaigns. "I am very happy with the victory. We needed that after the draw against Paraguay the other day. We deserved to beat Paraguay, but it did not happen. We played really well today. We created many chances and the game was one. It's a difficult place to come but we won," he said.
"The second half the other day was very good and today we continued on the same line. The only difference being that we were able to convert our chances today. It's not easy to win in a place like this in the Playoffs," he added. Messi however was awkwardly asked a question which implied the forward was getting old. "Whenever I come here I try to give my best," he said.
"Whenever the national team wants me, I will be here. I feel good and am working hard, and I will keep playing in these games and helping my team to victories like this one." Argentina will face Uruguay at home in the next game World Cup qualifier which is set to take place in March.
Austin1000
671
IF MESSI IS OLD, THEN RONALDO AND IBRAHIMOVIC , WHAT WOULD YOU SAY THEY ARE?
MrKhan®
461
This is sad! as a football fan it's just so much heartbreaking. I want to see this Lionel messi performing at his pick once again. wanna see ronaldo at madrid. wish there will be one more el clasico like where two goat with locked horn.
cjkash
415
Lmaoo Messi isn’t a natural goal scorer his skill set is all around that’s what people isn’t understanding someone like Ronaldo needs to score because he’s a pure striker Messi isn’t plus the team winning that’s all u can ask of him he’s going thru stuff at Barca and he’s clearly unhappy so give him space
Erminaldo
280
it's amazing how messi lost his confidence infront of goal. he did most things right and when he found himself infront of goals then all the decision goes wrong, i don't understand what happen with him but starting from the post lockdown games messi totally lost his confidence in front of goal.
Kktb0246
9
actually their form is better,I mean goalscoring. That's why everyone is curious about Messi.
If you notice, Messi doesn’t make runs into the box. He likes to dictate the play from midfield. He is a different breed. Ibra and cr7 wait for others to provide for them. 80% of Messi’s goal he is always involved in the build up play
RoyAbhinandan
8
If you notice, Messi doesn’t make runs into the box. He likes to dictate the play from midfield. He is a different breed. Ibra and cr7 wait for others to provide for them. 80% of Messi’s goal he is always involved in the build up play
I have noticed it already bruh, vs ferencvaros. Messi should be in the d box but he is outside and only pedri was there to receive the pass from dembele.he was right,he isn't obsessed with goals like he was before.