World Cup Qualifiers
Will Messi play today for Argentina vs Peru?
Argentina are looking to overturn a three-game run without a win.
Lionel Messi has rarely experienced stretches in his career where he has gone three matches without a win. Such occurrences have only happened twice before, with Barcelona in 2014 and 2016.
Recently, the forward has endured back-to-back losses with Inter Miami and another defeat with the national team against Paraguay. This streak is something he will aim to end in his final match of 2024—a season in which he has played fewer games than in any of the past 20 years.
Messi’s 34th appearance of the season (Tuesday, November 19 with kick off at 7:00pm ET / 4:00pm PT.) will see him under the guidance of Lionel Scaloni, who must navigate the game amid several key absences.
Argentina possible XI against Peru
The Albiceleste is not in crisis, but the team is not the dominant force it was a year ago. Their struggles are especially pronounced when playing away from home. Last week’s 2-1 loss to Paraguay in Asunción extended their winless streak on the road to three matches.
Now, facing Peru at La Bombonera, Argentina will look to bounce back, solidify their form, and protect their lead in the standings to avoid being overtaken by Colombia or Uruguay, both trailing by just three points.
Coach Lionel Scaloni will be without Cristian Romero, who sustained a right foot injury during the match against Paraguay, and Nahuel Molina, sidelined with discomfort in the back of his right thigh. In their place, Giuliano Simeone has been called up and might have the chance to make his debut with a few minutes against Peru.
Argentina possible XI:
Dibu Martínez; Montiel, Balerdi, Nicolás Otamendi, Facundo Medina; De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez
Manager: Lionel Scaloni
Peru possible XI:
Pedro Gallese; Andy Polo, Araujo, Zambrano, Alexander Callens, Luis Advincula; Oliver Sonne, Jesus Castillo, Sergio Pena; Gianluca Lapadula, Alex Valera
Manager: Jorge Fossati
Jorge Fossati’s team returns to La Bombonera, a venue where they managed a draw during the 2018 qualifiers. However, the current Peru team bears little resemblance to that squad. They are second-to-last in the standings and have struggled with poor results throughout the campaign. In their previous match, they settled for a draw against Chile, the bottom-placed team. Luis Advíncula will be the most prominent figure for Peru as they aim to make the most of their home games during qualification. The game between Argentina - Peru will be played on Tuesday, November 19 with kick off at 7:00pm ET / 4:00pm PT.
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