Messi scored twice to help Argentina beat Peru 2-0 in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday night. He was back to his deadly best.

The star player for Inter Miami scored twice in the first half, both with great left-footed shots from the edge of the penalty box. These goals helped his team stay in first place in South American qualifying.

The 36-year-old was recently hurt and couldn’t play for Inter Miami, but he seems to be back to his best now.

Even the goal that would have made it a hat-trick was called off because the player wasn’t onside, but VAR had to check it. 

The 36-year-old scored the first goal for the world champs in the 32nd minute with a great shot assisted by Nicolas Gonzalez. Ten minutes later, Enzo Fernandez set up the second goal with a fierce finish. 

Barcelona beat Paraguay 1-0 on Thursday, but Messi didn’t play the whole game in Lima. He came on as a replacement. 

With these two wins, Argentina is five points ahead of Uruguay, Brazil, and Venezuela in the South American World Cup qualification group. These three teams are all tied for second place.