Messi slips a precise through ball into the six-yard area, setting up Darío Benedetto whose header from the right side of the box flies just over the bar. It’s one of Argentina’s first clear chances created by Messi’s vision.

Messi’s left-footed shot from the center of the box is blocked after he runs onto Ángel Di María’s cross, as Peru’s defense closes him down quickly. The effort is stifled before it can test the goalkeeper.

Messi delivers a dangerous cross into the box that finds Darío Benedetto, whose header from the center of the area is saved by Pedro Gallese. The play showcases Messi’s service and Peru’s keeper’s sharp reflexes.

From outside the box, Messi hits a left-footed shot that is blocked after combining with Lucas Biglia. Peru’s defenders throw themselves in the way to prevent a clear strike on goal.

Messi lines up a left-footed effort from outside the box that curls just wide to the left, narrowly missing the target. It’s a dangerous attempt that has the crowd on edge.

Messi’s left-footed strike from distance whistles past the left post, reflecting his intent to force the issue from range. The goalkeeper is beaten but the shot drifts off target.

After a build-up involving Nicolás Otamendi, Messi unleashes another left-footed shot from outside the box, but Peru’s defense manages to block it again. Argentina’s pressure continues without reward.

Early in the second half, Messi creates a chance that leads to Darío Benedetto’s right-footed shot from the right side of the box, which is saved centrally by Pedro Gallese. Messi’s involvement keeps Argentina on the front foot.

Messi comes agonizingly close when his right-footed shot from the center of the box crashes off the left post, with Gallese beaten. It’s Argentina’s clearest chance and underlines Messi’s threat.

Messi threads a pass into the box for Alejandro "Papu" Gómez, whose left-footed shot from close range is saved in the center of the goal by Gallese. Again Messi unlocks Peru’s back line but the keeper stands firm.

Messi sets up Emiliano Rigoni with a clever pass, but Rigoni’s left-footed shot from very close range goes narrowly wide of the left post. The chance underscores how Messi keeps creating openings that go unfinished.

Messi fires yet another left-footed shot from outside the box, but Peru’s packed defense blocks the attempt before it can trouble the keeper. Argentina’s number 10 keeps probing from distance.

Messi plays in Benedetto once more, leading to a left-footed shot from the center of the box that Gallese saves in front of goal. Despite Messi’s repeated service, Peru’s keeper keeps Argentina out.

Receiving a pass from Javier Mascherano, Messi unleashes a left-footed shot from outside the box that is blocked, as Peru’s defenders continue to swarm him late in the match.

In the closing minutes, Messi tries another left-footed effort from outside the box, but Peru block it yet again, epitomizing their defensive resilience against him all night.