On Tuesday, Lionel Messi is set to play his final match of the year with the Argentine national team, facing off against Peru in a World Cup 2026 qualifying game in Buenos Aires.

As Messi wraps up a hectic 2024, the question remains: can he finish the year on a positive note?

Currently, Messi is facing a personal three-game losing streak; Argentina recently fell 2-1 to Paraguay, and Inter Miami lost its last two playoff matches against Atlanta United.

This marks only the third time in Messi’s career that he has experienced a three-game loss streak.

Additionally, Argentina has lost two out of its last four matches, which is unexpected considering they are the reigning World Cup champions and consecutive Copa America winners.

“We must understand that losses are part of the game. Luckily, we’ve had numerous positive results in the past,” Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, stated at a press conference on Monday. “Losing and then seeing how the team bounces back can be insightful.”

Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming Argentina vs. Peru match:

When is the Argentina vs. Peru match?

The match kicks off at 7 p.m. ET (7 p.m. in Peru, 8 p.m. in Argentina)

Where can I watch Argentina vs. Peru live?

You can catch the match on Telemundo, or stream it live on fuboTV and ViX.

Will Messi play tomorrow?

Yes, Messi is anticipated to start and lead Argentina against Peru.

Betting odds for Argentina vs. Peru

The odds are heavily influenced in favor of Argentina for this matchup.

Argentina is a -650 favorite, while Peru sits at +1600 odds. A draw has +625 odds. The over/under is set at 2.5 goals, according to BETMGM.

A look at Argentina’s recent defeats

Despite two losses in their last four matches, Argentina has won 64 of their past 69 games.

This record gives Scaloni confidence that his team can bounce back in Tuesday’s game.

“We approach tomorrow’s match with a strong sense of unity after a long time together as a team,” Scaloni remarked. “Regardless of the recent outcomes, their attitude remains commendable. They’re here and they are happy.”

The last five losses for Argentina are as follows:

• Nov. 14, 2024: Argentina lost 2-1 to Paraguay
• Sept. 10, 2024: Argentina lost 2-1 to Colombia in a rematch of the Copa America final, with Messi sidelined due to an ankle injury.
• Nov. 17, 2023: Argentina lost 2-0 to Uruguay in a World Cup qualifying match.
• Nov. 22, 2022: Argentina had a 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in their opening match of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
• July 2, 2019: Argentina lost 2-0 to Brazil in the semifinals of the Copa America.

MLS Cup Playoffs continue without Messi this weekend

This weekend’s MLS postseason will proceed without Messi and the Supporters’ Shield winners, Inter Miami.

On Saturday: New York City FC faces New York Red Bulls at Citi Field in Queens, N.Y. at 5:30 p.m. ET. LAFC will play against Seattle Sounders FC at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles at 10:30 p.m. ET.

On Sunday: Orlando City SC takes on Atlanta United at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando at 3:30 p.m. ET, followed by the L.A. Galaxy hosting Minnesota United FC at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles at 6 p.m.

All these matches will be available to live stream via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

What lies ahead for Messi in the United States?

Messi has transformed Inter Miami into a global sensation, guiding the team to a Leagues Cup title in 2023 and the Supporters’ Shield in 2024.

He remains under contract with Inter Miami through the conclusion of the 2025 MLS season. The team could potentially vie for five titles next year, including another MLS Cup and a spot in the Club World Cup next summer.

If everything aligns – especially if Messi stays healthy – he might aim to compete in the 2026 World Cup, which will be shared by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.