18 October 2023 , 08:38
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Lionel Messi scored a brace on Tuesday night to help Argentina beat Peru 2-0 in Lima.
Messi, 36, has now scored a record 31 goals in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, breaking Luis Suarez's record of 29 for Uruguay. It's a reminder of the Inter Miami forward's importance to Argentina, with manager Lionel Scaloni rubbishing retirement rumours.
Messi, who is expected to win this year's Ballon d'Or, believes his Argentina team "are very close to being the best in history". The world champions have won all four of their qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Brazil, meanwhile, suffered a shock 2-0 defeat to Uruguay in Montevideo. The top six in South America's 10-team group will qualify for the next World Cup - which will involve 48 nations - with seventh going through to an inter-confederation play-off.
Messi completed his brace in the first half of Argentina's win against Peru to secure the points. "This team is incredible, every time they play they are very close to being the best in history," said the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star after the game.
Mbappe misses two penalties and open goal in one minute before going off injured
"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."
Some Argentina fans are concerned that Messi will hang up his international boots, having won the World Cup and Copa America. Yet it appears their skipper is going nowhere for the time being and could even play in the next World Cup at the age of 39.
Messi will continue as Argentina's captain for the time being (Getty Images)Do you think Lionel Messi will play in the next World Cup? Let us know in the comments below!
Scaloni told reporters before the Peru win: "Let's keep in mind that he is still here. What a way to think about, 'When he is gone'. The truth is that he is still active, let's leave him alone, are we already retiring him? We commit hara-kiri (suicide), we are all crazy."
Messi has struggled with a muscle injury in recent weeks and missed Miami's US Open Cup final defeat to Houston Dynamo last month. Scaloni has confirmed the player is now "fine" and "has been adding minutes of training".
Miami have two more games against Charlotte this season, with the first taking place in Florida on Wednesday night. Messi won't be involved in that clash after playing for Argentina but could feature in North Carolina on Saturday evening.
Miami have failed to qualify for the Major League Soccer play-offs after a poor start to the season - before Messi arrived. The Argentina captain still has another two years left on his contract and will be hoping to inspire David Beckham's side to MLS glory.