LIMA: Lionel Messi become the all-time top scorer in South American World Cup qualifying on Tuesday after netting both goals in Argentina's 2-0 win over Peru in Lima.
Messi, who was included in the squad despite having been sidelined in recent weeks with a muscle problem, came on as a substitute in Thursday's 1-0 win over Paraguay but was on the pitch from the start of the game in Lima.
The 36-year-old put the world champions ahead in the 32nd minute with a superb shot after an assist from Nicolas Gonzalez, and made it 2-0 10 minutes later with a fierce finish from Enzo Fernandez's pass.
Messi, who was denied a hat-trick in the second half when he had a goal disallowed for offside following a VAR review, became CONMEBOL's leading scorer in World Cup qualifiers with his double taking his tally to 31, breaking a tie with Uruguay's Luis Suarez.
"This team is incredible, every time they play they are very close to being the best in history," Messi said.
"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," he added.
Coach Lionel Scaloni said Argentina's players were on the same wavelength as Messi, who is planning to retire before the 2026 World Cup.
"The team has understood Messi for a long time, it benefits him and he feels comfortable," he added. "I hope he plays as much as he can because everyone is happy to see him on the pitch."
In other qualifiers on Tuesday, Uruguay beat Brazil 2-0 with Neymar forced to leave the field after suffering what appeared to be a serious knee injury.
Venezuela cruised past Chile 3-0, Paraguay beat 1-0 Bolivia and Ecuador draw 0-0 against Colombia.
Argentina, who remain top of the CONMEBOL standings, will host Uruguay on Nov. 16 before taking on Brazil five days later.
Peru face Bolivia and Venezuela in the next round of qualifiers.
Reuters
Wed Oct 18 2023

Argentina's Lionel Messi in action, World Cup South American Qualifiers - Peru v Argentina - Estadio Nacional, Lima, Peru - October 17, 2023. - REUTERS/Sebastian Castaneda

Philippines' Marcos says vice president's impeachment not a matter for executive branch
The Senate has no choice but to process the impeachment complaint, says Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Police identify victims of helicopter incident
Police say a security guard saved the pilot by pulling him from the burning aircraft, about 100 meters from the landing site.

Malaysia pledges USD200,000 to accelerate Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership
Foreign Minister says M'sia will lead efforts to streamline Timor-Leste's ASEAN membership, ensuring compliance with 88 agreements.

Australia passes tough hate crime laws with mandatory jail time for Nazi salutes
The laws will impose minimum jail sentences between 12 months for less serious hate crimes, such as giving a Nazi salute in public.

Google introduces new class of cheap AI models as cost concerns intensify
Alphabet's Google announces updates to its Gemini family of large language models.

Bangladesh protesters torch ousted PM Hasina's father's home
Protesters expresses their fury over Hasina's social media speech, which they viewed as a challenge to the newly formed interim government.

How Trump's Gaza proposals could violate international law
Here's a look at the ramifications of Trump's plans under international law.

South Korean ministries block DeepSeek on security concerns, officials say
South Korea's information privacy watchdog plans to ask DeepSeek about how the personal information of users is managed.

Wisma Putra: No official US notice on deportation of over 400 Malaysians
Wisma Putra says no official requests for consular help from Malaysians allegedly on a list for deportation from the US.

All 67 victims positively identified in Washington helicopter plane collision
The US Army Corps of Engineers expects to completely remove all major airplane components from the Potomac River.

Op Sky: Three celebrities provide statements to MACC
The trio were called to assist with the ongoing investigation on a corruption and money laundering case under Op Sky.

Malaysia to become increasingly important fresh durian exporter to China - BMI
BMI says before this, Malaysia only exported frozen pulp and whole frozen fruits.

Indoor Hockey: Malaysia crash out World Cup group stage without a single point
Malaysia, in their World Cup debut, conceded in the 10th minute as Seyedmohammad Ghoreishiroudbaraki scored from a penalty corner.

What to know about Trump's Gaza Strip proposal
Trump says he wants to demolish the remaining structures in Gaza and transform the territory under US.

Judge blocks Trump's birthright citizenship order nationwide
Today, virtually every baby born on US soil is a US citizen upon birth, says the US District Judge.

Helicopter accident in Pahang kills one, leaves pilot unhurt
The fire, which completely destroyed the helicopter, occurred shortly after it was unable to control its descent during landing.

Nissan set to step back from merger with Honda, sources say
Talks between the Japanese automakers face complications due to growing differences, sources say.

Trump aides defend Gaza takeover proposal but walk back some elements
Trump's top aides staunchly defends his push to transfer Palestinians out of Gaza and have the US take over the war-ruined enclave.

United Nations chief warns Trump against ethnic cleansing in Gaza
The United Nations has long endorsed a vision of two states living side by side within secure and recognised borders.

Malaysia rejects forced resettlement of Palestinians, reaffirms support for two-state solution
Wisma Putra rejects any attempt to undermine Palestinian self-determination, calling it unacceptable and a move that prolongs the conflict.