Lionel Messi prepares for Argentina World Cup crunch match - in pictures

Victory over Peru will be a huge step for PSG star towards Qatar finals

Lionel Messi of Argentina during a training session ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Peru. Getty

Messi (L) talks to coach Lionel Scaloni during a training session in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires province, on the eve of a World Cup qualifier against Peru. AFP

Argentina forward Lionel Messi and defender Nicolas Otamendi take part in a training session. AFP

Lionel Messi and midfielder Giovani Lo Celso in training. AFP

Lionel Messi eyes the ball next to defender Nahuel Molina, Juan Foyth and midfielder Leandro Paredes. AFP

Messi gestures during the training session. AFP

Argentina forward Julian Alvarez (R) controls the ball next to Lionel Messi and midfielder Rodrigo de Paul. AFP

Messi next to midfielder Leandro Paredes. AFP

Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni next to forward Lionel Messi. AFP

Argentina's forward Lionel Messi and midfielder Giovani Lo Celso. AFP

Argentina's Lionel Messi during training. Reuters

Argentina's Lionel Messi during training. Reuters

Messi of Argentina walks the field during a training session. Getty

Argentina's Lionel Messi during training. Reuters

Lionel Messi's Argentina host Peru in World Cup qualifying on Friday knowing victory will put them on the brink of the Qatar finals.

Coach Lionel Scaloni's side trail South American group leaders Brazil by six points, but more importantly are six points ahead of fourth-placed Uruguay with a game in hand, and will seek another convincing victory in front of home fans to maintain their momentum since their latest Copa America triumph in July.

Scaloni will be keen for 10 of his players to avoid suspension ahead of two difficult rounds in November, when Argentina travel to Uruguay and then host Brazil.

Starters Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolas Otamendi, Rodrigo de Paul, Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martínez will miss the match against Uruguay if they get a yellow card.

Five other players sitting on a yellow card are likely to be substitutes at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires: German Pezzella, Nicolas Tagliafico, Lucas Martinez Quarta, Exequiel Palacios, and Nicolas Dominguez.

Fortunately for Scaloni, talisman Messi is in the clear and the PSG star worked out with his teammates ahead of the Peru match during a training session in Ezeiza, part of the Buenos Aires province, on the eve of the game.

Peru have little chance of qualifying for their second consecutive World Cup after their 1-0 loss at Bolivia on Sunday, while Messi made history on Monday, becoming the first South American to score 80 international goals as his side beat Uruguay 3-0.

Messi working out in training with his teammates can be seen in the gallery above. To see the next image, just swipe.

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Lionel Messi leads Argentina to Copa America

Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates with the trophy after beating Brazil 1-0 in the 2021 Copa America final at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro. AP

Players from Argentina toss Lionel Messi in the air as they celebrate their victory against Brazil in the Copa America final. EPA

Lionel Messi blows a kiss to celebrate their win against Brazil. EPA

Argentina's Lionel Messi speaks on his phone as he celebrates their victory. EPA

Lionel Messi holds the trophy as he celebrates with the team. AP

Lionel Messi holds the trophy for the championship's top scorer. AFP

Lionel Messi kisses the Copa America trophy. EPA

Brazil's Neymar and Lionel Messi of Argentina after the match. Reuters

Argentina's Angel Di Maria scores the winning goal against Brazil. EPA

Angel Di Maria celebrates with teammates after scoring the winning goal. Getty

Argentina's Angel Di Maria holds the trophy after winning the Copa America. AFP

Brazil's Neymar looks dejected after the match. Reuters

Neymar and Lionel Messi after the match. Reuters

Players from Argentina toss Lionel Messi in the air as they celebrate their victory against Brazil in the Copa America final. EPA