By Jimmy
Inter Miami star, Lionel Messi is having a field day as he helped Argentina beat Peru 2-0 in the South American World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday, October 17.
Messi scored two goals in the qualification game to help him break the record for most goals scored in South American World Cup qualifiers history.
He has now scored 31 goals in South America (Conmebol) World Cup qualifying matches, surpassing Luis Suarez’s 29 goals for Uruguay.
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During the game against Peru, Lionel Messi opened the scoring after 32 minutes and quickly added a second with a spectacular finish.
In the post-game press conference, Messi said: “This team is incredible. Every time they play they are very close to being the best in history. 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.”
The head coach of Argentina national team, Lionel Scaloni added: “The team has understood Messi for a long time. It benefits him and he feels comfortable. I hope he plays as much as he can because everyone is happy to see him on the pitch.”
Note that Lionel Messi hasn’t started a game for Inter Miami since September 21 due to injury. This also prevented him from featuring in his team’s defeat to Houston Dynamo in the US Open Cup final last month.
He came on as a substitute in Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Paraguay on Thursday, but he started against Peru on Tuesday.
In November, Argentina who are currently top of the South America (Conmebol) World Cup qualifiers table will face off against second-place Uruguay and third-place Brazil.
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Meanwhile, Neymar was taken off the field on a stretcher with what appeared to be a serious knee injury during Brazil’s 2-0 loss to Uruguay on Tuesday night, October 17.
The 31-year-old forward, who transferred from Paris St. Germain to the Saudi Pro League team Al-Hilal in August, landed awkwardly after challenging Nicolas de la Cruz for the ball during the first half of the game.
“Let’s hope it’s nothing serious,” Brazil captain, Casemiro told Globo television. “He’s an important player for us; we’re very fond of him. He’s been suffering a lot from injuries and when he starts to pick up the pace he gets injured again.”
