Paolo Guerrero will share striking record with Lionel Messi at the start of the Qualifiers

Just 24 hours from the start of the South American Qualifiers heading to the World Cup 2026a more than striking statistic that they share Paolo Guerrero and Lionel Messicaptains of Peru and Argentina, respectively.

These two attackers, with a recognized international career at the national team level, will reach an important record when they play their sixth Qualifier.

It is worth mentioning that, in addition to the two players mentioned, there are 23 footballers who played in five Qualifiers in this part of the continent, and only six of them participated in the 2022 edition.

This list, headed by Guerrero and Messi, is completed by the already retired Jefferson Farfán and Jean Beausejour, as well as Juan Carlos Arce and Claudio Bravo. These last two were not cited for this inaugural date in their selections.

Lionel Messi, currently with Inter Miami of the MLS, arrives at this tournament after being world champion with the albiceleste, while Paolo Guerrero as the goal card for the red and white and the national team’s all-time top scorer.

The Peruvian team will meet this Thursday, September 7, as a visit, against its counterpart from Paraguay; while Argentina will do the same, but at home against Ecuador.