Argentina Hosts Peru in Crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifier: Messi Set to Lead

Argentina is set to host Peru in a pivotal 2026 World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday, November 19, at the La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires. This encounter marks the final match of 2024 for Lionel Scaloni’s team, who are currently atop the CONMEBOL qualifying standings with 22 points from 11 games.

Lionel Messi, the Inter Miami captain and Argentina’s star player, is expected to start and captain the team. Despite playing the full 90 minutes in Argentina’s recent 2-1 defeat to Paraguay, Messi is poised to make his 191st appearance for the national team. His presence is crucial, given his productive year with six goals and four assists in 10 games for Argentina.

Argentina comes into this match looking to bounce back from their surprise defeat to Paraguay. The team has been strong at home, with recent decisive wins against Chile (3-0) and Bolivia (6-0). However, they will be without key players Cristian “Cuti” Romero and Nahuel Molina, who were injured in the match against Paraguay. Leonardo Balerdi and Gonzalo Montiel are expected to fill the defensive gaps.

Peru, on the other hand, is struggling in the ninth place of the standings with just one win from their last five matches. They recently held Chile to a goalless draw but face a significant challenge against Argentina. Peru’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup are slim, with only three goals scored in 11 outings.

The match will be broadcast on Telemundo and can be streamed via Fubo. Argentina is heavily favored, with odds of -800 compared to Peru’s +2000. The predicted lineup for Argentina includes Emiliano Martinez in goal, a defensive line of Gonzalo Montiel, Leonardo Balerdi, Nicolas Otamendi, and Nicolas Tagliafico, with Messi, Julian Alvarez, and Lautaro Martinez leading the attack.

Historically, Messi has a strong record against Peru, having scored three goals and recorded one assist in nine appearances. His last goals against Peru came in a 2023 World Cup qualifier where he scored both goals in a 2-0 victory.