Football

Messi pleased as Argentina beat Peru

Argentina’s Lionel Messi gestures during the closed-door 2022 FIFA World Cup South American qualifier football match against Paraguay at La Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires on November 12, 2020. (Photo by Juan Ignacio RONCORONI / POOL / AFP)


Argentina captain Lionel Messi spoke about his happiness as La Albiceleste beat Peru in 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying.
Messi says the Argentina national team is getting even more solid as they continued their march towards the finals in Qatar.
Nicolas Gonzalez and Lautaro Martinez were the goalscoring heroes for Argentina as their first-half contributions in Lima on Tuesday, propelled Lionel Scaloni’s charges to a third win in four World Cup 2022 qualifiers.
Argentina extended their unbeaten run to 11 games, while they have won their past three away qualifiers – something they had not achieved since 2000.
Messi was understandably delighted with Argentina’s display, which came five days after their draw at home to Paraguay.
“Happy with the victory, we needed it after the game we played the other day,” the star said, via Argentina’s Twitter account.
“From the beginning we had a great match, the goals came and we created many, many chances.”
Messi added: “The second half the other day was already very good and I think we continued on the same line, even raising the level a bit.
“I think this is the way we have to follow. Little by little we are becoming stronger as a group.”
Messi made his 142nd Argentina appearance against Peru, joining Brazil great Cafu for the equal fifth most by a South American man.
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner wants to continue contributing for Argentina, who won in Peru for the first time since 2004.
“Whenever I come here I try to do my best and I feel qualified to fight for this shirt,” Messi said.
“I feel good to continue working and adding games.”

Sammy Wejinya

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