Lionel Messi proved he is back to full fitness after scoring both goals in Argentina's 2-0 win over Peru in their 2026 World Cup qualifier Tuesday.
Messi, who was included in the squad despite having been sidelined in recent weeks with a muscle problem, came on as a substitute in Thursday's 1-0 win over Paraguay but was on the pitch from the start of the game in Lima.
The 36-year old put the world champions ahead in the 32nd minute with a superb shot after an assist from Nicolas Gonzalez, and made it 2-0 10 minutes later with a fierce finish from Enzo Fernandez's pass.
Messi was denied a hat-trick in the second half after he had a goal disallowed for offside following a Video Assistant Referee review.
Argentina, who remain top of the CONMEBOL standings, will host Uruguay on November 16 before taking on Brazil five days later.
Peru face Bolivia and Venezuela in the next round of qualifiers.
RESULT
Peru 0 Argentina 2 (Messi 32, 42)
