Footage shows Lionel Messi sit same Peru player down twice as he hits double for Argentina

18/10/2023 12:19

Lionel Messi produced an outrageous piece of skill to embarrass an opponent twice in the same phase of play during Argentina's win over Peru.

The 36-year-old phenomenon netted twice for the world champions in a 2-0 win against Peru in Lima to cement their place at the top of the table in South American World Cup qualifying.

Messi picked up his 178th cap for Argentina on Tuesday night[/caption]

The 36-year-old was in fabulous form in the 2-0 win against Peru[/caption]

Messi had been suffering from a scar tissue injury that kept him out of action for Inter Miami but his display on Tuesday evening showed it was business as usual.

This year’s Ballon d'Or favourite produced an audacious piece of play that left one Peru player in a heap…twice.

After receiving the ball in his own half, Messi weaved and turned close to the touchline leaving the Peru star dazed and on the turf.

In a desperate attempt to dispossess the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain man, Peru's stars doubled up on Messi but their attempts quickly fell flat as Messi skipped beyond both players, leaving one player on the turf for a second time in quick succession.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was left in disbelief at Messi's level of performance coming the back of an injury.

He told reporters: "I saw Messi as if he had not been injured or stopped."

The Argentina captain hailed his side’s display in an Instagram post writing: "Another important win in Lima to keep moving together."

Messi appears to have found another gear since his departure from PSG in the summer having produced a number of scintillating displays at both club and international level.

The Argentine helped Inter Miami claim their first-ever piece of silverware when they lifted the Leagues Cup in August.

His influence helped guide the South Florida club off the bottom of the Eastern Conference thanks to 11 goals in 13 games.

Messi picked the ball up under pressure deep in his own area

But his turning and weaving was too much for one Peru player

Peru’s plan B was to double up on the Argentina captain

But Messi found a way past both players, leaving one Peruvian on the turf for a second time

This is Lionel Messi, ladies and gentlemen.
— All About Argentina (@AlbicelesteTalk) October 18, 2023

He is joint-top scorer in World Cup qualification with three goals from four games with Argentina boasting a 100 percent record.

Messi admits to having one eye on next summer's Copa America in the United States but his participation in the 2026 World Cup remains unclear.

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