World Cup qualifier | Lionel Messi double gives Argentina 2-0 win over Peru

Lionel Messi became CONMEBOL's all-time top scorer in World Cup qualifiers after netting two goals in Argentina's 2-0 win over Peru. Messi, who was included in the squad despite injury, scored with a superb shot and fierce finish. Coach Lionel Scaloni said Argentina's players are on the same wavelength as Messi, who is planning to retire before 2026 World Cup. Uruguay beat Brazil 2-0, Venezuela cruised past Chile 3-0, Paraguay beat Bolivia 1-0 and Ecuador drew 0-0 with Colombia. Argentina will host Uruguay and Brazil in the next round of qualifiers.

Lionel Messi become the all-time top scorer in South American World Cup qualifying on Tuesday after netting both goals in Argentina's 2-0 win over Peru in Lima.

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, who was denied a hat-trick in the second half when he had a goal disallowed for offside following a VAR review, became CONMEBOL's leading scorer in World Cup qualifiers with his double taking his tally to 31, breaking a tie with Uruguay's Luis Suarez.

"This team is incredible, every time they play they are very close to being the best in history," Messi said.

"On a game level I think we have grown. After winning the World Cup we are confident, very loose, more united and firm. Hopefully we can continue to grow," he added.

Coach Lionel Scaloni said Argentina's players were on the same wavelength as Messi, who is planning to retire before the 2026 World Cup.