Messi-less Argentina held to 2-2 draw by Peru in WC qualifiers

Argentina toiled in the absence of their injured star striker Lionel Messi as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Peru in their World Cup qualifying clash in Lima on Friday.

The 29-year-old star sustained a groin injury last month during Barcelona's 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in the La Liga clash, which ruled him out of action for at least three weeks.

After few initial signs of struggle, defender Ramiro Funes Mori drilled home his first goal for Argentina in the 15th minute of the qualifying match, goal.com reported.

Peru, however, responded in the second-half via striker Paolo Guerrero, who levelled the score for his side in the 58th minute.

It was in the 84th minute of the match when Peru's Christian Cueva cancelled out striker Gonzalo Higuain's 77th-minute goal to deny Argentina a victory.

Argentina, who also drew 2-2 last time against Venezuela, now have 16 points, three adrift of leaders Uruguay while Peru are still languishing down to the eighth spot.