Messi Breaks Suarez’s Record As Argentina Defeats Peru In World Cup Qualifier
Lionel Messi made history as he netted twice for Argentina to lead them to a 2-0 win over Peru in South American World Cup qualifying
Joy Kalu 
Argentina captain, Lionel Messi has now become CONMEBOL’s leading scorer in World Cup qualifiers.
Messi scored twice as they beat Peru 2-0 on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, to take his tally to 31 goals.
The 36-year-old has now broken a tie with Uruguay’s Luis Suarez.
Messi made his return to a starting lineup after being sidelined or coming from the bench for the last four weeks due to a muscle problem.
The Inter Miami superstar put Argentina ahead in the 32nd minute with a superb effort and doubled their lead 10 minutes later with a fierce finish from Enzo Fernandez’s pass.
Messi was then denied a hat-trick in the second half when he had a goal disallowed for offside following a VAR review.
Messi's return to Inter Miami will come too late for him to feature in the first part of the MLS double-header against Charlotte, but the 36-year-old may make the team for the return fixture on Saturday.
