Lionel Messi wrapped up his 2024 football season by delivering a decisive assist in Argentina's 1-0 victory over Peru. However, the match also featured a flash of the fiery personality Messi displayed during the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

The “What Are You Looking At, Fool?” Moment

During the game, cameras caught Messi directing a “What are you doing, fool?” comment at Peruvian defender Carlos Zambrano. The exchange occurred in the 36th minute after a brief altercation stemming from a handoff following Messi’s shot. Though tensions flared, the situation didn’t escalate further.

This moment drew comparisons to Messi's infamous “What are you looking at, fool?” remark directed at Dutch striker Wout Weghorst during the World Cup.

Messi’s brilliance ultimately decided the match, as he set up Lautaro Martínez for the game-winning goal. Zambrano, meanwhile, received a yellow card that Argentina’s players felt deserved to be red.

Argentina vs. Peru: Match Recap

Argentina secured a narrow 1-0 win over Peru, thanks to Lautaro Martínez’s goal, ending the year atop the South American World Cup Qualifiers standings with 25 points.

After a loss to Paraguay, the reigning world champions rebounded to maintain their lead over Uruguay, Ecuador, and Colombia. Peru, however, finished the FIFA window at the bottom of the table with just seven points, managing a draw against Chile in the Pacific Derby.

Despite Argentina's dominance from the start, stellar defensive efforts from Zambrano, Alexander Callens, and goalkeeper Pedro Gallese kept the scoreline tight. In the second half, Messi delivered a pinpoint cross that Martínez converted with an acrobatic finish, sealing the victory.

The match also saw rotations from both coaches, with Argentina's Lionel Scaloni giving opportunities to players like Giuliano Simeone and Giovani Lo Celso, while Peru's Jorge Fosatti introduced Gianluca Lapadula and Bryan Reyna to little effect.

What’s Next?

Argentina will resume their qualifying campaign in March 2025, facing Uruguay in Montevideo and Brazil in Buenos Aires. Peru, meanwhile, will host Bolivia in Lima and travel to Maturín to face Venezuela.