Will Messi play today for Argentina vs Peru?

Argentina wants to undo a series of three games without a win.

Lionel Messi has rarely experienced periods in his career where he went three games without a win. Such events have only happened twice before, with Barcelona in 2014 and 2016.

Recently, the forward has suffered back-to-back losses at Inter Miami and another defeat against the national team against Paraguay. He wants to end this streak in his last game of 2024 – a season in which he has played fewer games than in the past twenty years.

Messi's 34th appearance of the season (Tuesday, November 19 with kick-off at 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT) will see him led by Lionel Scaloni, who must navigate the match amid a number of key absences.

Argentina possible XI against Peru

The Albiceleste are not in crisis, but the team is not the dominant force it was a year ago. Their struggles are especially pronounced when they play outdoors. Last week's 2-1 defeat to Paraguay in Asunción extended their winless run to three games.

Now facing Peru in La Bombonera, Argentina will look to bounce back, consolidate their form and protect their lead in the standings to avoid being overtaken by Colombia or Uruguay, both of whom are just three points behind.

Coach Lionel Scaloni will be without Cristian Romero, who suffered a right foot injury against Paraguay, and Nahuel Molina, who was sidelined with discomfort in the back of his right thigh. Giuliano Simeone has been called up in their place and could be given the chance to make his debut against Peru in just a few minutes.

Jorge Fossati's team returns to La Bombonera, a venue where they managed a draw in the 2018 qualifiers. However, the current Peruvian team bears little resemblance to that team. They are second to last in the standings and have struggled with poor results throughout the campaign. In their previous match, they settled for a draw against bottom-placed Chile. Luis Advíncula will be the most prominent figure for Peru as they look to make the most of their home games in qualifying. The match between Argentina and Peru will be played on Tuesday, November 19, starting at 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT.