Messi shackled in Lima

Reuters: Lionel Messi’s recent goal spree came to an abrupt halt in Argentina’s uninspiring 1-1 draw against Peru as Colombia came out on top in the latest round of South American World Cup qualifiers that concluded on Tuesday.

Argentina lead the nine-nation group ahead of Colombia and Ecuador but only three points separate the top six teams with the series set to reach its halfway mark next month.

Peru laid bare the failings in Argentina’s rearguard that their brilliant forwards often disguise in tricky conditions at the Estadio Nacional in Lima.

Gonzalo Higuain’s fine equaliser was one of the few Argentina highlights in a performance that also featured Sergio Romero’s early penalty save from Claudio Pizarro.

Messi was almost unrecognisable as the world’s best player, softened by a series of early fouls but not subjected to the aggressive man-marking Diego Maradona endured in a 1-0 defeat in the Peru capital 27 years ago.

He was kept in check by Peru’s heavily populated midfield, which still found space to carry danger to Argentina with defender Carlos Zambrano scoring in the 22nd minute and Luis Ramirez hitting the post in the second half.