Peru 2-2 Argentina: Lionel Messi misses World Cup qualifying draw

Argentina were twice pegged back as Peru battled for a 2-2 World Cup qualifying draw in Lima on Thursday night.

With injured talisman Lionel Messi missing for a second successive away game, Everton defender Ramiro Funes Mori's first international goal put the 2014 World Cup finalists ahead, only for Paolo Guerrero to equalise on 58 minutes.

Watch NOW TV

Sky Sports for just £6.99. No contract.

Gonzalo Higuain edged the visitors ahead 12 minutes from time but Christian Cueva's 84th-minute penalty ensured the spoils were shared.

The result left Argentina fifth in the South American qualifying group for Russia 2018, albeit level on 16 points with third-placed Ecuador and fourth-spotted Colombia - three points behind leaders Uruguay after nine games.

Funes Mori was the unlikely first scorer on 16 minutes, sweeping home a loose ball after the home team had failed to deal with a corner.

And it remained 1-0 until just before the hour mark, when Flamengo striker Guerrero latched onto a long ball and lashed home a fine leveller.

Peru were looking dangerous but it was Argentina who struck next, Juventus striker Higuain finishing off a brilliant run into the area with a fine chip for his 32nd international goal.

But the spirited hosts got the chance to secure a share of the spoils soon after when Guerrero was bundled over in the penalty box following a defensive mix-up and Cueva coolly fired home the spot-kick.

Argentina turn their attention to Wednesday's home qualifier against Paraguay, while Peru travel to Santiago to take on Copa America champions Chile.

You can watch England's tour of Bangladesh, plus Premier League football and the Japan Grand Prix on Sky Sports. Upgrade now and enjoy three months at half price!