Argentina boss Scaloni showers record-breaking Messi with praises after brace against Peru
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni praised talismanic forward and team captain Lionel Messi for his impact in their 2-0 win over Peru at the National Stadium in Lima in the early hours of Wednesday.
The former Argentina international commended the Inter Miami star, whose brace ensured the Albiceleste maintained their unblemished record in the CONMEBOL qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and also made him the player with the most goals (31) in the history of the South American World Cup qualifiers.
Messi has broken another record.
(No matter when you read this)#ArgentinaNT pic.twitter.com/u5rUri1uLb
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) October 18, 2023
Scaloni said it felt like he [Messi] hadn’t been injured, as he looked sharp from the beginning of the game and saw out the entire match despite still recovering from muscle problems that sidelined him for several matches with his club side.
“It is like he hasn’t been injured, or he hasn’t been side-lined,” the World Cup-winning manager said. “It is truth that the team understands him for a while now and they are playing in a way that benefits him and he feels comfortable.
“It is what I said the other day, I wish he can play until he decides to stop because everybody is happy to see him playing on the pitch. “
🔚 Game over at the Estadio Nacional!
🇦🇷 Argentina 2 🆚 0 Peru 🇵🇪
⚽ Leo Messi x2 🐐#ArgentinaNT pic.twitter.com/X3fuK6YAth
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) October 18, 2023
Messi scored two beautiful left-footed strikes just ten minutes apart in the first half for his third goal in the qualification rounds and his fourth in six games in total for the national team.
The 36-year-old’s brilliance ensured Argentina remains at the top of the South American qualifying group on 12 points, with four wins from four games.
