In what was billed as his final game in Buenos Aires, Lionel Messi scored twice to inspire Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Venezuela in FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying on Thursday.
With Argentina already guaranteed a spot at the world cup next year in North America, Messi scored in the 39th and 80th minutes in front of an ecstatic crowd of 80,000 at the Mas Monumental Stadium.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who will be 39 during the 2026 World Cup, sparkled during the evening, which only strengthens his eternal status as Lionel Scaloni’s team aims to retain the title.
The coach affirmed that Messi will be given a week off next week in the dead rubber against Ecuador.
Scaloni said, he worked so hard, and he needs a break and time with his family. He was physically wiped out and ought to have pulled off, but he didn’t, because of the emotional aspect of the event.
His three sons accompanied Messi to the pitch before the match, and his father Jorge was present during the special night.
In South America, Uruguay, Colombia and Paraguay also secured their places in the 2026 final.
Uruguay sailed through Peru 3-0 in a full house in Montevideo at the Centenario stadium.
Rodrigo Aguirre had opened the scoring with a towering header in the 14th minute, Giorgian de Arrascaeta had then doubled the lead just before the hour, and Federico Vinas had won the day at the end.
The outcome saw to it that a third national team led by 70-year-old Marcelo Bielsa qualifies to the world cup.
Colombia also moved on with a convincing 3-0 victory over bolivia. The first goal was scored by the World Cup breakout star James Rodriguez in the 31st minute, followed by Jhon Cordoba and Juan Fernando Quintero in the second half.
Their 0:0 draws at home with Ecuador were enough as Paraguay secured their return to the global scene, the first since 2010.
Meanwhile, Brazil who already qualified toppled Chile 3-0 at the Maracana. The 18-year-old winger of Chelsea, Estevao, got his first international goal, Lucas Paqueta and Bruno Guimaraes also scored.
Six automatic slots provided by the 10-member CONMEBOL bloc leave the qualification race alive with one spot remaining, with Venezuela in the seventh position before the final set of matches.
