- Argentina maintain 100% record
- Neymar injured as Brazil slump in Uruguay
- Venezuela continue victory run with another shocker
Football legend Lionel Messi was at it again as two classic strikes handed world champions Argentina a 2-0 win over Peru in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in Lima.
Messi opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with a superb free-kick from the edge of the box.
He doubled Argentina’s lead just 10 minutes later with a clinical finish after being played through by Lautaro Martinez.
The goals took Messi’s tally in World Cup qualifiers to 31, surpassing Luis Suarez of Uruguay to become the all-time leading scorer in South America.
His goals also ensured Argentina maintain a 100% record without conceding a goal.
“This team is incredible. Every time they play they are very close to being the best in history,” Messi said after the match.
“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.”
The win was Argentina’s fourth in four World Cup qualifiers, and they now lead the CONMEBOL standings by five points.
Neymar suffers
But it was double disappointment for Brazil.
Neymar was carried off on a stretcher in tears after suffering a knee injury in Brazil’s 2-0 defeat to Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.
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The 31-year-old forward, who joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain in August, landed awkwardly after challenging Nicolas de la Cruz for the ball in the first half.
Neymar was immediately surrounded by players from both teams and was given medical attention on the pitch for several minutes before being stretchered off. He was visibly upset and was seen crying as he left the field.
The severity of Neymar’s injury is not yet known, but it is a major blow for Brazil, who are the reigning world champions. Neymar is one of the most important players in the team and is essential to their chances of success at the next World Cup in Qatar.
Brazil captain Casemiro told Globo television: “Let’s hope it’s nothing serious. He’s an important player for us; we’re very fond of him. He’s been suffering a lot from injuries and when he starts to pick up the pace he gets injured again.”
Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez scored Uruguay’s opener with a header and set up De la Cruz for their second as Uruguay beat Brazil for the first time since 2001.
The win was a major boost for Uruguay, who are trying to qualify for the World Cup for the fourth time in a row.
Fairytale
Not satisfied with holding Brazil to a 1-1 draw few days ago, Venezuela tore Chile apart 3-0 before a rancorous home crows in Caracas.
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.
