Messi Shines as Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay Secure World Cup Berths

BUENOS AIRES: In a match anticipated as his farewell on home soil, Lionel Messi delivered a captivating display, netting twice to lead Argentina to a dominant 3-0 victory against Venezuela in their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying match on Thursday.

Playing in what was likely his last home qualifier—with Argentina already guaranteed a spot in the upcoming tournament in North America—Messi scored in the 39th and 80th minutes, delighting a crowd of 80,000 fans at the Mas Monumental Stadium.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient, who will turn 39 during the 2026 World Cup, showcased his enduring talent throughout the match, as Lionel Scaloni’s team aims to defend their title. Scaloni has announced that Messi will be rested for the upcoming match against Ecuador.

“He gave a tremendous effort and deserves some rest with his family,” Scaloni stated. “He was visibly tired and probably should have been substituted, but he remained on the field due to the significance of the occasion.”

Before the game, Messi was accompanied on the field by his three sons, with his father, Jorge, also present for the momentous occasion.

Elsewhere in South America, Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay all clinched their places in the 2026 World Cup finals.

At a sold-out Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Uruguay comfortably defeated Peru 3-0 to secure their qualification. Rodrigo Aguirre initiated the scoring with a header in the 14th minute, Giorgian de Arrascaeta extended the lead before the hour mark, and Federico Viñas finalized the score late in the game.

This accomplishment marks the third national team that Marcelo Bielsa, 70, has successfully guided to World Cup qualification.

Colombia also progressed with a convincing 3-0 victory over Bolivia. James Rodríguez, who rose to prominence during the 2014 World Cup, opened the scoring in the 31st minute, followed by goals from Jhon Córdoba and Juan Fernando Quintero in the second half.

Paraguay confirmed their return to the global stage for the first time since 2010 after a scoreless draw at home against Ecuador, which was sufficient to ensure their qualification.

Meanwhile, Brazil—already qualified—secured a 3-0 victory over Chile at the Maracanã. Chelsea’s 18-year-old winger Estevão celebrated his first international goal, while Lucas Paquetá and Bruno Guimarães also scored.

With six automatic qualification spots available from the 10-nation CONMEBOL group, the battle for the final spot remains competitive, with Venezuela currently holding seventh place as they head into the last round of matches.