Lionel Messi was focused as he skillfully maneuvered down the left flank, seemingly aware of a teammate positioned perfectly to his right.

Messi executed a precise pass into the heart of the penalty box, allowing Lautaro Martinez to elevate and expertly finish in the 55th minute, securing a 1-0 victory for Argentina against Peru on Tuesday night at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires.

With this assist, Messi matched U.S. Men’s National Team idol Landon Donovan, each boasting 58 assists, a record in men’s international soccer history.

This match not only served as a World Cup qualifier for 2026 but also marked Messi’s final game of the year, which he described as “another unforgettable year.”

During the Copa America final against Colombia on July 14, Martinez netted a goal in extra time, helping secure the title while Messi watched from the sidelines due to injury.

On this occasion, Messi’s assistance allowed Martinez to net his 35th international goal, equaling the legendary Diego Maradona for fifth place in Argentine scoring history.

While Messi has not made a public commitment regarding the next World Cup, his enthusiasm for representing the national team remains strong at this point in his career.

Argentina has now triumphed in 65 of their last 70 matches, despite having faced two losses in their previous four games prior to this encounter.

“Everyone wants to best us. The Argentine national team is always at the forefront,” Martinez stated following the match. “We have areas to improve, but we must persist down this path.”

What lies ahead for Messi?

This summer, Messi and Argentina claimed their second consecutive Copa America title, reinforcing their status as one of soccer’s eminent dynasties, capped by their victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Additionally, Messi enjoyed an exceptional season in Major League Soccer as an MVP finalist, steering Inter Miami to the Supporters’ Shield and achieving the best regular-season record in MLS history. However, due to an early offseason, he is now in search of a new coach for the upcoming season.

Inter Miami’s coach, Tata Martino—who previously also managed Messi at Argentina and FC Barcelona—resigned for personal reasons, as reported by YSL News Sports on Tuesday.

Inter Miami faced an early exit from the MLS Cup playoffs, losing a best-of-three series against Atlanta United earlier this month. The playoffs continue with the conference semifinals scheduled for this weekend.

Messi only managed one goal in his first three MLS playoff matches, a disappointing record following his earlier performance where he scored two hat tricks within a week leading up to the playoffs. He netted three goals and provided two assists in Argentina’s sweeping 6-0 victory over Bolivia on October 15, and had a remarkable three-goal, one-assist performance in Inter Miami’s last regular season game on October 19, guiding Miami to an MLS points record of 74.

After a two-month recovery from an ankle injury sustained during the Copa America final, Messi quickly regained his form, having an otherwise subdued performance at the tournament where he scored a single goal and participated in five out of six matches due to a groin issue that sidelined him for one match.

While Messi was recovering post-Copa America, Inter Miami surged to victory in eight of their nine regular-season games, claiming the top spot in the MLS Eastern Conference. However, they were unable to retain the Leagues Cup title, which they had won after seven matches with Messi in July 2023. The team was eliminated from the Leagues Cup by Columbus Crew in the round of 16 and faced Monterrey from LIGA MX in the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals, also suffering an exit.

In his MLS season, Messi scored 20 goals and provided 16 assists, leading the league with 36 goal contributions, and he appeared in 19 out of 34 MLS matches this year.

In the coming year, Messi and Inter Miami will have the opportunity to vie for five trophies, participating in the Concacaf Champions Cup, Club World Cup, Leagues Cup, and striving once again for the MLS Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup title.

Messi concluded the year on a triumphant note with Argentina’s victory. He entered the match having lost his last three outings after Argentina’s defeat to Paraguay and Inter Miami’s last two losses to Atlanta United.

Argentina sits atop the Conmebol World Cup qualifying standings and is likely to retain the No. 1 spot in the FIFA rankings as they prepare for the next year, where they are expected to secure their berth for the 2026 World Cup.

Messi’s legendary career is approaching its final chapter. He is contracted with Inter Miami until 2025, and will turn 38 next June and 39 during the next World Cup.

Argentina vs. Peru highlights

Messi matches Landon Donovan for most international assists

Messi’s assist to Lautaro Martinez was his 58th in international play with Argentina, putting him level with U.S. Men’s National Team great Landon Donovan for the all-time assists record in men’s international soccer.

Messi assists Lautaro Martinez’s goal: Argentina 1, Peru 0

Messi set up the goal, with Lautaro Martinez making no mistake, launching a powerful left-footed shot into the net, granting Argentina a 1-0 lead in the 55th minute.

Martinez, who was the top scorer for Argentina in the Copa America, netted his second goal in consecutive games for the national champions. Messi’s excellent vision found Martinez unmarked in front of the goal, leading to the successful strike.

Messi’s free kicks in the first half: Argentina 0, Peru 0

The match remained scoreless at halftime. Messi positioned himself for a free kick following a foul on Rodrigo De Paul, but Messi’s attempt veered to the right of the goal, getting redirected by a defender from Peru. Shortly after, he took another free kick, but this time Alexis Mac Allister directed it over the goal.

Messi’s foul leads to a free kick: Argentina 0, Peru 0

In the 36th minute, Messi was fouled, leading to a free kick that he delivered into the box. Unfortunately, he failed to connect with Alexis Mac Allister, who was positioned near the goal.

A minute later, Gonzalo Montiel squandered a chance right in front of the goal.

Alexis Mac Allister’s missed header: Argentina 0, Peru 0

Alexis Mac Allister of Argentina did not capitalize on a header opportunity in the 24th minute.

Julian Alvarez’s shot blocked: Argentina 0, Peru 0

Argentina had a numerical advantage, but a shot by Julian Alvarez was thwarted in the 22nd minute.

Messi fails to convert long-range shot, fouled after impressive dribbling: Argentina 0, Peru 0

In the 20th minute, Messi’s shot was high and wide. Earlier, in the 18th minute, he was fouled by Peru’s Alexander Callens after executing a series of dazzling dribbles that thrilled the Argentine crowd at La Bombonera.

Gonzalo Montiel’s missed shot near the goal: Argentina 0, Peru 0

In the 13th minute, Gonzalo Montiel had a prime opportunity near the goal but failed to convert.

Nicolás Tagliafico’s shot goes over the goal: Argentina 0, Peru 0

Nicolás Tagliafico from Argentina sent a left-footed attempt over the goal, wrapping up a play initiated by Messi in the fourth minute.

How to watch Argentina vs. Peru live

The match can be viewed on Telemundo and streamed live via fuboTV and ViX.

When does the Argentina vs. Peru match start?

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

Is Messi participating tonight?

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

Argentina vs. Peru starting lineups

Here are the starting players for both teams for Tuesday night:

Argentina vs. Peru betting odds

The odds are heavily in favor of Argentina for the upcoming match against Peru.

Argentina is a -650 favorite while Peru’s odds stand at +1600. A draw is set at +625 odds. The over/under is 2.5 goals, as per BetMGM.

Messi’s Inter Miami coach resigns

On Tuesday, Inter Miami’s coach, Tata Martino, stepped down, as reported by a source close to the situation who wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the news.

This resignation comes as a disappointing conclusion to Martino’s tenure as the team’s coach, following a notable season where the club secured the MLS Supporters’ Shield yet was eliminated early in the MLS Cup playoffs.

Messi is on a three-game slump

Messi is experiencing a personal three-game losing streak: Argentina fell 2-1 to Paraguay last week, while Inter Miami lost its last two postseason games against Atlanta United.

This is only the third time in Messi’s career that he has faced a three-game losing streak.

Back in April 2014, Messi’s Barcelona lost a Champions League match to Atletico Madrid 1-0, followed by a La Liga defeat against Granada 1-0 and a Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid, which ended 2-1.

Similarly, in April 2016, Barcelona suffered two defeats in La Liga, first against Real Sociedad (1-0) and then to Valencia (2-1), along with a Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid (2-0).

Argentina’s dominance in international football

If Argentina secures a victory against Peru on Tuesday night, they would hold on to their No. 1 FIFA ranking. The team has been on an impressive streak, winning 64 of their last 69 matches.

Currently, Argentina is at the top of the Conmebol World Cup qualifying rankings and is poised to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup as early as next year.

MLS playoffs proceed without Messi this weekend

Despite Messi’s efforts, he could not aid Inter Miami in progressing to the second round of the MLS Cup playoffs.

This weekend, the MLS playoffs continue with New York City FC facing the New York Red Bulls at 5:30 p.m. ET, followed by LAFC battling the Seattle Sounders FC at 10:30 p.m. ET.

On Sunday, Orlando City SC will host Atlanta United at 3:30 p.m. ET, followed by the LA Galaxy taking on Minnesota United FC at 6 p.m. ET.

All four matches will be available to watch through the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.