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It's a very real possibility now, as Argentina need a win away to Ecuador in the high altitude of Quito to qualify, although a draw may get them through if Colombia defeat Peru. La Albiceleste are 6th in the standings, behind Chile, Colombia and Peru - and now face the most daunting of prospects.
Jorge Sampaoli's men toiled away for most of the night, with Messi creating more than his fair share of chances, but the finishing touch simply deserted his teammates. Peru's defensive organization was downright heroic at times, and they deserved this result.
That's it from us tonight - thank you for following the game with us, and do check back for Argentina's pivotal clash against Ecuador.
90+4' Unselfishly, Messi goes for a chip to the far post, but Gallese comes out and claims the ball with ease. Moments later, Acuna concedes a foul on the edge of his own box, and Peru have a chance now! Guerrero to take...
90+1' SHOT BLOCKED YET AGAIN! Messi finds space on the edge of the box, and lets fly, but his effort is blocked by Araujo yet again. What a defensive performance he's had.
89' INTO THE WALL! Messi sends his free-kick straight into the wall. Moments later Acuna goes into the book for dissent, as the referee awards a foul in favour of Peru.
88' What a mistake! Messi is crudely chopped down on the edge of the box. A free-kick in Messi territory. Can he do it?
87' Messi clips a ball over the top to Benedetto, but the ball is slightly too overhit. Moments earlier, Andy Polo had run clear for Peru, but was offside only by inches!
83' After a bit of head-tennis in the box, Argentina eventually manage to clear the ball. The home side launch a long ball to Papu Gomez, but the ball goes out for a goal kick.
81' Mascherano, who seems to be back to normal, chips a ball forward to Messi making a run into the box, but Gallese is alert and punches clear. Moot, as Messi was offside.
77' WELL THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN AMAZING! Of all the people in the world, Javier Mascherano lets fly from range, with his effort going inches over the bar!
74' The visitors attempt to release the pressure with a rare foray forward, but a long ball to Guerrero is easily collected by Sergio Romero.
Moments later, Papu Gomez performs an awful dive in the box after realizing he cannot reach a cross from the right. The ref isn't conned, and play continues.
72' Peru are falling back deeper and deeper. They're inviting pressure from Argentina who are reduced to aimless crosses after passing it from side to side.
68' YET ANOTHER SAVE FROM GALLESE! Stunningly, Messi finds himself in space in the middle as Argentina counter-attack and he sends Benedetto clear down the left, but his low drive is straight at the Peruvian keeper, attempting to nutmeg him, but Gallese makes the save with his legs.
He celebrates moments later by taking his time over a goal-kick.
61' ANOTHER VITAL TOUCH FROM TRAUCO! Messi makes a mesmerizing run down the left wing, before sending in a low cross to the near post that is simply begging to be tapped home. Rigoni looks to have done so, but Trauco slides in at the last moment to deny the goal-bound shot from getting into the net!
57' ANOTHER HUGE SAVE FROM GALLESE! Lovely football from Messi as he exchanges passes with Banega down the middle, before a through ball sends Papu Gomez clear on the left side of the box, but Gallese is alert to deny his powerful shot at the near post!
A World Cup without Lionel Messi.
It's a very real possibility now, as Argentina need a win away to Ecuador in the high altitude of Quito to qualify, although a draw may get them through if Colombia defeat Peru. La Albiceleste are 6th in the standings, behind Chile, Colombia and Peru - and now face the most daunting of prospects.
Jorge Sampaoli's men toiled away for most of the night, with Messi creating more than his fair share of chances, but the finishing touch simply deserted his teammates. Peru's defensive organization was downright heroic at times, and they deserved this result.
That's it from us tonight - thank you for following the game with us, and do check back for Argentina's pivotal clash against Ecuador.