Three Argentine players have been included in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers XI.

Lionel Messi, Nicolás Tagliafico and Enzo Fernández make the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers best eleven players. Messi scored two goals in Argentina’s 2-0 win vs. Peru to bring him to three goals in these World Cup qualifiers.

Nicolás Tagliafico helped start both of the goals and played a solid match for Lionel Scaloni’s team. Enzo is also included for his good showing. Here are the eleven players:

Rafael Romo (Venezuela)
Nicolás Tagliafico (Argentina)
Piero Hincapie (Ecuador)
Wilker Angel (Venezuela)
Nahitan Nandez (Uruguay)
Moises Caicedo (Ecuador)
Enzo Fernández (Argentina)
Yeferson Soteldo (Venezuela)
James Rodriguez (Colombia)
Darwin Nunez (Uruguay)
Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Nicolás Tagliafico, Enzo Fernández and Lionel Messi have been included in the CONMEBOL XI of the World Cup qualifiers. 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/XBGd3dQ81c

— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) October 18, 2023

Lionel Messi has become the all time top scorer in South American World Cup qualifiers.

Messi scored two goals for Argentina in their 2-0 win vs. Peru, reaching 31 goals in the qualifiers and into first place. He was previously tied with Luis Suárez for first place on 29 goals.

This is Messi’s sixth South American World Cup qualifying campaign and prior to the start of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, had scored 28 goals. Messi did not score in the 2006 World Cup qualifiers but had four goals in the 2010 campaign, 10 for 2014, seven for 2018 and seven for the 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Lionel Scaloni spoke about Argentina’s 2-0 win vs. Peru and the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Uruguay and Brazil.

Scaloni spoke to the media after Argentina’s 2-0 win and commented on Lionel Messi and his fitness. Scaloni also spoke about the team. Here is what he had to say:

“The second half was more of the same. We were limited by having been left with only one window (to make a substitution) when Cuti went out and we only had one more window with many minutes and some with physical problems. We were limited by that and the team was able to solve it.

“What these two matches have left me with is the desire to keep competing, to not fall asleep, to keep wanting to win and that is the best thing. Those who are out there want to play, they contribute and that is important. Everyone is pulling in the same direction and going for the same cause.

“It is gratifying to see them like this, especially because they have understood the message: Life goes on and you have to keep competing. You can win or lose, but form is the most important thing.”

About the matches against Uruguay and Brazil in November:

“We will face them in the same way, they are two very tough matches and we have to play them. The most important thing is to keep playing the same way, knowing that the opponents will make it difficult for us but it will be a nice fixture to enjoy.”

Lionel Scaloni spoke about Lionel Messi and how he sees him after Argentina’s 2-0 win against Peru.

Scaloni spoke to the media after Lionel Messi scored both goals for Argentina in their World Cup qualifying win. When asked about Messi, here is what he had to say:

“I saw him as if he had not had an injury or a break. It is true that the team has understood him for a while now, he plays in a very marked way that benefits him. I hope he plays as long as he can, everyone is happy to see him on the pitch.

“We won’t be affected by his break because we won’t be competing again until March. I imagine he will do his preseason with his team, it is not something that really worries us. It was already seen today, without having a lot of minutes like it was said… The most important thing is that he is healthy and that’s the best thing, he is managing his minutes.”