Argentina vs Peru LIVE score, FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers: Messi in starting lineup for ARG v PER; Kick-off at 5:30 AM IST

Played: 58

Argentina: 37

Peru: 7

Draws: 14

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.

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.

-AP

Gallese (gk), Zambrano, Arajuo, Callens, Polo, Sonne, Castillo, Pena, Advincula, Guerrero, Valera 

E Martinez (gk), Montiel, Balerdi, Otamendi, Tagliafico, De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Messi, L Martinez, Alvarez

Argentina: E Martinez (gk), Molina, Balerdi, Otamendi, Tagliafico, De Paul, Fernandez, Messi, Mac Allister, Alvarez, L Martinez

Peru: Caceda (gk), Corzo, Araujo, Callens, Polo, Sonne, Cartagena, Pena, Advincula, Guerrero, Valera

The Argentina vs Peru FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match will kick off at 5:30 AM IST, on Wednesday, November 20 at the La Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The match will not be telecast in India. 

You can follow Sportstar’s live blog of the game for updates.