World Champions Argentina are ready to play their 4th game in the Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in America, Mexico, and Canada. The Albiceleste are flying in football. After winning the Qatar World Cup, Argentina haven’t lost a single game.
Last week, Argentina defeated Paraguay with a tiny 1-0 margin thanks to Otamendi’s early goal. Superstar Lionel Messi was not in the starting Xi in that game, but he came off the bench in the second half. However, this victory has moved Argentina to the top of the point table, while Brazil slipped down to second place after a disappointing draw against Venezuela.
Argentina will face off against Peru away from home on Tuesday night at Estadio Nacional de Lima. There is a strong possibility that Lionel Messi could start in this game.
Key Facts
- Argentina are now on a 13-match unbeaten streak since losing to Saudi Arab in the World Cup opener in Qatar.
- After the World Cup final against France, Argentina played seven games and won all of them.
- Argentina are now the only team in the world that didn’t concede a single goal after the World Cup. The Albiceleste kept seven out of seven clean sheets, while they have scored 18 goals in those games.
- Peru have never defeated Argentina in their 12 meetings. Argentina defeated them in 8 encounters and the remaining four games ended in a tie.
- The Albiceleste scored 23 goals against Peru, while they conceded only 8.
Is Messi to Start Against Peru?
Lionel Messi, the owner of seven Balon d’Ors, was in discomfort. He got a knock while playing for Inter Miami. Therefore, Argentine boss Lionel Scaloni didn’t start Messi from the beginning against the Paraguay match. The GOAT came off the bench in the second half, replacing Julian Alvarez.
However, Messi’s possibility to start against Peru is very strong. He seemed fit during the second half against Paraguay. Messi also continues his training with the team. Several reports from Argentina claimed Messi would start on Tuesday night against Peru.
If Messi starts, who would Lionel Scaloni drop? In the last match, Argentina played with Nicholas Gonzalez, Julian Alvarez, and Lautaro Martinez in front. With Messi’s return, Nico Gonzalez will probably start on the bench.
As a result, Julian Alvarez will play in the left flank, while Lautaro remains in the center and Lionel Messi starts from the right flank. Manager Lionel Scaloni will likely keep the same midfield and defense as they had against Paraguay.
Prediction: Peru 0-3 Argentina
The last time Peru played against Argentina, they conceded four goals and scored zero. It is really difficult for the home side to break Argentina’s rock solid defense. Furthermore, Lionel Messi’s return will surely bolster the team’s overall strength.
Betfair Odds
Peru: 9.55
Draw: 4.52
Argentina: 1.36
Get real-time Betfair odds on BFB247
