Lionel Messi is a doubtful starter in Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying game against Peru at Estadio Nacional on Wednesday after he didn’t show up in practice. Argentina can make it four wins from their opening four FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the CONMEBOL region if they beat Peru in Lima on Tuesday.
Here’s our storylines, how you can watch Peru vs Argentina live stream World Cup Qualifiers online from anywhere.
How to watch Peru vs Argentina Anywhere
- Date: Tuesday, Oct. 17 | Time: 10 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio Nacional del Peru — Lima, Peru
- Live stream anywhere: Try NextMirror
Team news
Peru: A 39-year-old Paolo Guerrero is expected to lead the attack again and Andy Polo could be tried out wide again. Andre Carrillo will target a return to the starting XI while Christofer Gonzales could make way for him in a deeper role.
Potential Peru XI: Gallese; Corzo, Zambrano, Abram, Trauco; Aquino, Yotun; Advincula, Carrillo, Polo; Guerrero.
Argentina: Lionel Messi did not start vs. Paraguay but should be fit to feature from the off against Peru. Reports from Argentina say he will be in the starting XI. Nicolas Gonzalez is likely to drop to the bench with Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez partnering Messi up top. Rodrigo De Paul should start again despite coming off against the Paraguayans.
Potential Argentina XI: E Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, L Martinez, Alvarez.
Peru are coming after losing two qualifying matches in South American qualifying. Players and coach Juan Reynoso know they will face a much tougher challenge against the World Cup champion.
The next World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada is expanding to a 48-team format, meaning direct entry to the top six teams in South America. The seventh-place team will contest an intercontinental playoff for a berth.
Prediction
Peru cannot afford to drop many more points but Argentina are as tough as they come in these qualifiers. Expect the world champions to get the win but to be made to work hard for it by this desperate home side. Pick: Peru 0, Argentina 1.
If Messi plays at Peru, coach Lionel Scaloni might have to remove either Julián Alvarez or Lautaro Martinez from the lineup that beat Paraguay in their previous encounter. Keeping the captain in the starting lineup will likely mean Argentina playing Nico Gonzalez again in Lima.
Messi substituted Julián Álvarez in the 52nd minute against Paraguay, when Argentina were already in the lead. He hit the post twice but had a low-key performance overall at the Monumental de Nuñez Stadium in Buenos Aires.
Head-To-Head
Argentine enjoy a 35-7 win-loss record against Peru out of 56 matches they have played against each other. 14 games ended in draws.
