Lionel Messi Becomes CONMEBOL World Cup Top Scorer After Scoring Brace Against Peru

• Argentina captain Lionel Messi scored two first-half goals against Peru on Wednesday
• Messi also surpassed Luis Suarez as the all-time leading scorer in Conmebol WC qualifiers
• Argentina sits atop the CONMEBOL standings with a perfect record of three wins

Lionel Messi netted a brace against Peru, surpassing his former Barcelona colleague Luis Suarez to claim the top spot on the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup qualifying leaderboard.

Between 2014 and 2020, the two players shared the same jersey at Barcelona, with the latter eventually making a move to Atletico Madrid, where he continued his remarkable goal-scoring feats and added numerous trophies to his collection.

Meanwhile, Messi made his first start for Argentina since their 1-0 victory in FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying against Ecuador last month, per Sportskeeda.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner shattered the tie with Suarez, 29 goals, for the most goals in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers when he opened the scoring in the 32nd minute in Lima.

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As reported by Marca, the Argentine captain put the visitors ahead by finishing off a superb counterattack, converting Nicolas Gonzalez's cutback past Peruvian goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.

Just ten minutes later, Messi struck again, converting Enzo Fernandez's pass to cap off a fantastic team play.

The Albiceleste went into halftime with a 2-0 lead. The Inter Miami forward now boasts 31 FIFA World Cup qualifying goals in 63 appearances, putting him two goals ahead of Suarez, who has 29 goals in 62 matches.

Argentina sit atop CONMEBOL standings

Following the 2-0 victory, Lionel Messi's Argentina solidified their leading position in the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup 2026 standings, amassing 12 points from four matches.

The defending champions now enjoy a comfortable five-point lead over second-placed Uruguay, who pulled off a surprising 2-0 win over Brazil on home turf earlier in the day.

Messi destroys Peruvian defender

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During the match, Messi showcased his exceptional dribbling skills against Peru, leaving fans in awe, Sports Brief reported earlier.

Positioned precariously near the touchline, Messi engaged not one, but two defenders, creating a display reminiscent of a dance.

The Argentine maestro appeared to be almost toying with the first defender, effortlessly shifting the ball from left to right and ultimately sending his adversary tumbling to the ground.