Argentina lead by the greatest player of all time Lionel Messi have become a force to be reckoned with winning two Copa America trophies and the previous edition of the FIFA World Cup that was held in Qatar. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets nearer and nearer, the qualifications for the biggest sporting tournament in the world are underway. Messi and his Argentina squad are on the verge of booking their spot in the 2026 World Cup and with a win against Peru could solidify their standing in the tournament. 

Messi and Argentina On The Verge Of World Cup Qualification 

Lionel Messi’s Argentina will be on the verge of confirming a 2026 World Cup spot if it beats Peru in Buenos Aires in South American qualifying on Tuesday.

Victory would give defending champion Argentina 25 points from 12 matches, historically good enough for at least sixth place in the 10-team standings. South America has six entries into the World Cup.

But Argentina will be without five injured players after losing to Paraguay 2-1 last Thursday when it hosts Peru, which is second to last.

Meanwhile, Brazil and Uruguay will meet in Salvador, and both coaches expect to finish the year better than they started.

Read More: India Held To A 1-1 Draw By Visiting Malaysia, End Year Without Win

Dorival Júnior, in charge of Brazil since January and still struggling to convince fans he’s the right choice, could move to second place with a win.

Marcelo Bielsa, who was recently under fire by Uruguay great Luis Suárez, will seek to add at least one point to the team’s tally to prove Friday’s last minute 3-2 victory against Colombia was no fluke.

Uruguay and Colombia are three points behind Argentina. Brazil is fourth. Ecuador is a point behind in fifth.

Problems For Argentina’s Defence Due To Injuries 

Argentina left behind defenders Lisandro Martínez and Germán Pezzella when it travelled to Paraguay. Another three were injured out of the home match against Peru: Cristian Romero, Nahuel Molina and Nicolás

Tagliafico. The trio started against Paraguay.

Read More: Bentancur Banned 7 Games, Fined $126,000 For Offensive Comment

Argentina left a poor image against Paraguay in Asuncion from its third loss in qualifying. Veteran Messi had a quiet performance, and strikers Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez were no better. Observers wondered

whether the team’s magic was running out.

“I don’t know whether (rival coaches) they found an antidote (to Argentina),” coach Luis Scaloni said. “We hope to go back on a positive patch.”

Scaloni is expected to field Gonzalo Montiel in Molina’s place; Leonardo Balerdi in Romero’s; and Facundo Medina replacing Tagliafico. 

(With AP Inputs)