The match kicked off in Lima, Peru, with both teams knowing that a win would be crucial in their quest to secure a place in the 2023  FIFA World Cup. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, and fans from both sides were eager to witness their heroes in action.

The opening minutes of the game were dominated by Argentina's relentless attacking play. Messi, donning the captain's armband, orchestrated Argentina's attacks, showcasing his extraordinary dribbling skills and vision. It didn't take long for him to make his mark on the match. In the 13th minute, a mesmerizing solo run by Messi left several Peruvian defenders trailing in his wake, and he calmly slotted the ball into the net to put Argentina in the lead.

Peru, however, did not back down. They mounted several counterattacks and tested the Argentine defense, which was resolute but not without its shaky moments. The Peruvian fans in the stadium roared with anticipation, hoping to see their team level the score.

As the match progressed, it became clear that both teams were committed to attacking football. The midfield battle was intense, with both sides fighting for possession and trying to create opportunities. Argentina's midfield maestro, Giovani Lo Celso, and Peru's creative force, Christian Cueva, were instrumental in shaping the game.

In the 41st minute, Messi struck again. A perfectly timed through ball from Lo Celso found Messi, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to score his second goal of the night. The Peruvian goalkeeper had no chance as Messi's clinical finish gave Argentina a 2-0 lead.

In the second hall, Peru continued to press forward, desperately seeking a lifeline. Their efforts were rewarded in the 53rd minute when Christian Cueva expertly converted a penalty to pull a goal back for Peru. The home crowd erupted with joy, and the game was wide open once more.

The latter stages of the match were a rollercoaster ride, with both teams creating chances and displaying their attacking prowess. Peru came agonizingly close to leveling the score on multiple occasions, but Argentina's goalkeeper, Emiliano Martínez, produced some outstanding saves to maintain his team's lead.

In the end, Argentina held on to secure a 2-1 victory over Peru. The win was crucial for Argentina's World Cup qualification campaign, keeping them on track for Qatar 2022.

The match will be remembered for Lionel Messi's virtuoso performance, with his two goals and overall influence on the game. His contribution underlined his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time

The battle between Peru and Argentina showcased the magic of South American football, where skill, passion, and talent combine to create unforgettable moments on the pitch. The fans who attended the match or watched it from afar were treated to a footballing spectacle that will be remembered for years to come. Both teams can take pride in their performance, and the race to the World Cup continues with renewed intensity.

         Writer.   Priti Kumari