Messi Inspires Argentina as South America Celebrates World Cup Spots
Lionel Messi lit up Buenos Aires with two goals in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Venezuela, the captain marking his last home World Cup qualifier in memorable fashion.
The Albiceleste, already qualified for the 2026 World Cup in North America, were in control throughout. Messi’s opener in the 39th minute came after a sharp counter-attack, before Lautaro Martinez added a second with a diving header. Messi sealed the night minutes later with his 36th career goal in South American qualifying.
“Ending like this here, with my people, is a dream fulfilled,” said Messi, who has yet to confirm his retirement but acknowledged that “time is passing.”
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Across the continent, Brazil secured a 3-0 win over Chile at the Maracana, thanks to goals from Estevao, Lucas Paqueta and Bruno Guimaraes. Uruguay matched that scoreline against Peru, with Rodrigo Aguirre, Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Federico Vinas all finding the net.
Paraguay earned their first World Cup berth in 16 years after holding Ecuador to a goalless draw, while Colombia confirmed qualification with a 3-0 victory over Bolivia, courtesy of James Rodriguez, Jhon Cordoba and Juan Fernando Quintero.
The results leave Argentina top of the table with 38 points, followed by Brazil on 28, Uruguay on 27, Ecuador on 26 and Colombia on 25. Venezuela sit seventh with 18 points but still hold the playoff spot, just one point ahead of Bolivia.
