Lionel Messi (36, Inter Miami), a “blessing star,” fired a multi-goal celebration that dismissed rumors of retirement.

Argentina defeated Peru 2-0 with Messi’s multi-goal in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup South American Qualifier held in Lima, Peru on the 18th. Argentina, which has four wins and no losses, is leading South America, beating Brazil (2 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss).

Argentina beat Paraguay 1-0 on the 13th. However, Messi was excluded from the starting lineup and was put in in the 8th minute of the second half and played on the ground for about 40 minutes, sparking a “retirement controversy.” Messi’s skills remain, but his physical strength is not the same as before, so the national team should also prepare for Messi’s retirement.

Lionel Scaloni fumed when asked by Argentine reporters about Messi’s retirement plans. “Messi is still on the national team. It’s still running. Please leave him alone. Aren’t you guys retiring him already? Everyone is crazy,” he fumed.

Messi displayed his true value against Peru. Messi, who started the game, scored a series of goals in the 32nd and 42nd minutes of the first half to end the game.

Messi also added a goal in the second half to complete the “hat trick.” However, the video reading confirmed that Messi was in an offside position, and the goal was canceled.

Conscious of public opinion, Messi continued to play full time and aimed for a goal. There was also a scene where Messi, who fell in the box, threw a back tackle on his opponent and was pointed out by the referee and laughed. Messi did his best to quell the controversy with his skills.

The players of the two teams scuffled in extra time It spread to the war of nerves. Messi did not participate in the fight, taking a leisurely wait-and-see approach. In the end, Messi played full time by playing until extra time. 스포츠토토