Argentina forward Lionel Messi shackled by Peru in World Cup qualifier

Lionel Messi in action against Peru (GETTY IMAGES)

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 yesterday.

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.

"The pitch didn't help, you needed one or two touches more to control the ball. We left the pitch angry because we couldn't play our game but an away draw is good," Messi, who had scored 10 goals in his last six internationals, told reporters.

"We're bitter at having only seven points when we deserve a few more," said Peru's Uruguayan coach Sergio Markarian, who is attempting lead the team to the finals for the first time since 1982.

"Peru didn't surprise me. Nowadays, it's always tough, always very even," Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella of the result and the tight standings.

Argentina have 14 points, Colombia and Ecuador 13, Uruguay and Chile 12 and Venezuela, looking to reach their first finals, 11.

At the end of the marathon campaign, the top four will qualify for the 2014 finals and the fifth-placed team plays off against an Asian nation for a berth in Brazil.

Reuters