Lionel Messi’s return to football after suffering a muscular injury was nothing short of sensational. The 36-year-old World Cup winner made an incredible return, scoring two goals for Argentina in a victory over Peru in their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Messi’s return had an immediate and extraordinary impact.
His performance against Peru was remarkable because he used his signature dribbling talents to smoothly weave past the Peruvian opponents, just like he did when he was younger. Besides his match-winning performance, he also broke his former Barcelona teammate’s CONMEBOL record with his goal tally.
Lionel Messi weaves magic against Peru
Lionel Messi made a triumphant return with a brilliant brace, helping La Albiceleste secure a 2-0 victory in World Cup Qualifying. The Ballon d’Or finalist’s performance was exceptional and played a crucial role in Argentina’s success in the match.
Lionel Messi may not exactly be in fine form or entirely fit at the moment since he’s just making his return from a muscle injury, but he just had a flying comeback against Peru.
Lionel Messi’s influence was already being felt early in the game. In the opening minutes, the Argentine forward went on one of his typical mazy runs, and his resulting free-kick was so tightly curled that Peru’s goalkeeper Pedro Gallese had to make a diving save. Messi’s impact on the game could be felt right away.
Two more spectacular goals from Lionel Messi highlighted his significance to Argentina. The first, off a ball from Nico Gonzalez, was a beautifully controlled volley that found the upper corner of the net. While both goals were scored in almost the same spot, Messi’s incredible technique and precision in front of goal were on full display with the second one, which was struck lower and to the right of the goalkeeper.
Messi surpasses Luis Suarez with latest feat
In 2022, Luis Suarez overtook Lionel Messi in Uruguay’s final CONMEBOL qualifier to secure a spot at Qatar 2022. However, Messi has now ‘returned the favour’. His goal against Peru on Tuesday, October 17, propelled him to the top of the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup qualifying leaderboard, surpassing his former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez.
Lionel Messi showcased his brilliance by finishing a brilliant counterattack, scoring from Nicolas Gonzalez’s cutback to give Argentina the lead. Just ten minutes later, he found the back of the net once again, converting Enzo Fernandez’s pass to complete a fantastic team move.
This is our KING pic.twitter.com/S7aFZBbb0T
— Bearded X (@Gunnerboyyyy) October 18, 2023
With these goals, Messi now has 31 FIFA World Cup qualifying goals in 63 games, moving two goals clear of the second-placed Luis Suarez, who has 29 goals in 62 games. Messi’s remarkable goal-scoring record is a testament to his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
