Lionel Messi has matched a record previously held by USMNT legend Landon Donovan in Argentina’s 1-0 win over Peru at La Bombonera on Tuesday, November 19. The diminutive magician set up Lautaro Martinez in the 55th minute to help secure all three points for La Albiceleste in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
In the process, Messi picked up the 58th assist of his international career and joined Donovan as the two players with the most assists for their countries. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also has 112 goals from 191 games for Argentina.
He has the second-most goals in international football after Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese ace has registered 135 goals and 37 assists from 217 games for his nation.
Argentina struggled to break down a resolute Peru side in the first half, although Julian Alvarez nearly found the back of the net in the 21st minute. The Atletico Madrid man hit the upright, and that would be the home side’s best chance of the half.
La Albiceleste continued pushing for a goal after the break, with Lionel Messi heavily marked again. Ten minutes into the second half, the Inter Miami man created space from himself and sent a cross toward Lautaro Martinez. The Inter Milan striker finished with a fine half-volley to send his team 1-0 up.
Interestingly, Martinez’s strike was his 32nd goal for Argentina, and he is now tied with the legendary Diego Maradona as the fifth-highest goalscorer for his nation.
The result also means that La Albiceleste are a whisker away from confirming their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Argentina are at the top of the South American qualification table, with 25 points from 12 games.
How many goals has Lionel Messi scored for Argentina in World Cup?
Lionel Messi has found the back of the net 13 times and set up eight more from 26 games across five FIFA World Cups. The Argentinean has also scored 34 goals in 69 World Cup qualifiers.
The 37-year-old powered his nation to the Holy Grail of football in 2022, scoring twice in the final against France. Messi also reached the final of the 2014 edition, only to come up short against Germany.
Lionel Messi won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball in 2014 and 2022. The Argentine superstar is now gearing up to appear in his record sixth World Cup in 2026.