Lionel Messi netted two goals for Argentina in poignant moments in Buenos Aires on Thursday, as Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay qualified for next year’s World Cup alongside the reigning champions.
In his final home qualifier for his nation, and with Argentina having already secured their position in North America, Messi scored in the 39th and 80th minutes to achieve a 3-0 victory against Venezuela.
Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient, excelled before a captivated audience of 80,000 at the Mas Monumental stadium, highlighting his lasting excellence.
The Argentine star will reach 39 during next year’s World Cup, but despite his age, he appears poised to play a crucial role as Lionel Scaloni’s team defends its title.
Scaloni will rest his captain for next week’s inconsequential match in Ecuador.
“He exerted significant effort and merits a respite to be with his family,” stated the coach.
“He became exceedingly fatigued and physically drained.” He ought to have withdrawn, but he did not due to the match’s emotional intensity.
Messi was accompanied by his three sons and his father, Jorge, before the kickoff to commemorate the event.
Uruguay secured their qualification for the United States, Canada, and Mexico by defeating Peru 3-0 at home, while Colombia triumphed against Bolivia with an identical scoreline.
Paraguay secured a place in the 2026 finals following a 0-0 home draw against the previously qualified Ecuador.
Brazil, having previously qualified, decisively defeated Chile 3-0 in the Maracana, with goals from the English Premier League trio of Estevao, Lucas Paqueta, and Bruno Guimaraes.
Estevao, the 18-year-old Chelsea winger, scored his inaugural goal for his national team.
Bielsa achieves success once more.
Before an audience of 60,000 at the full Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Rodrigo Aguirre initiated Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay’s progress in the 14th minute.
The Club America forward soared to execute a powerful header into the upper corner, beyond Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
The Uruguayans, champions of the World Cup in 1930 and 1950, required only a single point to qualify and return their charismatic veteran coach, Bielsa, to the tournament.
The septuagenarian has now led a third squad to World Cup qualification.
Bielsa’s hiring as the coach of Uruguay in 2023 was met with enthusiasm, even joy; however, a lackluster qualification campaign has diminished that fervor.
Qualification was always probable in a system where six of the ten CONMEBOL teams qualify directly for 2026, with an additional team entering an intercontinental play-off.
Venezuela presently occupies seventh place with one qualification remaining.
Giorgian de Arrascaeta extended Uruguay’s advantage shortly before the hour mark, striking decisively from close range to foster a celebratory ambiance in the Uruguayan capital.
Federico Vinas netted a third goal ten minutes before the conclusion of the match.
Colombia secured its position in next summer’s event with a decisive victory over Bolivia.
James Rodriguez, a 34-year-old former attacker for Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, who emerged as a breakout sensation during the 2014 World Cup, scored shortly after the half-hour mark.
Jhon Cordoba eliminated any late concerns with his goal in the 74th minute, followed by Juan Fernando Quintero’s third goal.
Similar to Uruguay, Paraguay required merely a draw to secure qualification while hosting Ecuador.
They accomplished their objective by securing a goalless draw and will participate in their ninth World Cup, the first since 2010.
