In Argentina's 2-0 win over Peru on Tuesday, Messi became the all-time top scorer in South American World Cup qualifying.

In Thursday's 1-0 win over Paraguay, Messi came on as a substitute despite being sidelined with a muscle injury.

A superb shot from the 36-year-old after a pass from Nicolas Gonzalez gave the world champions the lead in the 32nd minute, and a fierce finish from Enzo Fernandez made it 2-0 ten minutes later.

Reuters reports that Messi has now scored 31 goals in World Cup qualifiers, breaking a tie with Uruguay's Luis Suarez.

After winning the World Cup, we have grown as a team. We are confident, loose, more united, and more firm.

Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni said his players are on the same wavelength as Messi, who plans to retire before the 2026 World Cup.

Messi feels comfortable with the team because it understands him for a long time. It's great to see him on the pitch, and I hope he plays as much as he can."

On November 16, Argentina will play Uruguay before taking on Brazil five days later in the CONMEBOL standings.