In the 55th minute, Argentina took a 1-0 lead thanks to a soaring left kick from Lautaro Martinez after Lionel Messi had provided the ball. Martinez, the top scorer for Argentina in the Copa America, gave the world champions their second goal in two consecutive matches. Messi made a brilliant move by finding Martinez open ahead of the goal, and Martinez scored.
A Peruvian defender diverted Lionel Messi's free kick, which went to the right half of the net, when Rodrigo De Paul had been brought down just before halftime. Messi got another free kick a minute later, however Alexis Mac Allister nodded it above the net.
Tonight's World Cup qualifying encounter between the Argentine national team and Peru in Buenos Aires will be Lionel Messi's last game of the year. Messi, who guided Inter Miami towards a Supporters' Shield triumph in Major League Soccer and assisted Argentina in winning the Copa America championship for the second consecutive year, is playing his final game of the year. Following their victories in Copa America 2021 as well as the World Cup of 2022 that took place in Qatar, Argentina solidified their status as one of soccer's greatest empires this summer by winning Copa America 2024.
Kerala set to host Lionel Messi and Argentine football team
According to recent speculations, Kerala is going to host the Argentina national football team in 2025. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) and the state government are in advanced talks to host two exhibition games in Kerala, which might be a first for Indian football supporters. A formal declaration from Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman will be expected shortly. A recent high-level team led by Minister Abdurahiman visited Spain and had productive talks with AFA representatives.
The final decision regarding Lionel Messi's participation is still up in the air, despite reports that a deal has been made with sponsors that will reimburse the costs of staging the matches. According to sources, Messi's admission will be decided by the Argentine Football Association closer to the event.