Lionel Messi delivered a dazzling performance in Buenos Aires on Thursday, scoring twice as Argentina cruised to a 3-0 victory over Venezuela.
The night was filled with emotion, with 80,000 fans at the Mas Monumental witnessing what is expected to be Messi’s final home World Cup qualifier.
Already assured of a place at next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Argentina saw their captain strike in the 39th and 80th minutes.
Despite turning 39 during the 2026 World Cup, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to look central to Lionel Scaloni’s plans as the Albiceleste prepare to defend their crown.
Elsewhere in South America, three more nations secured their qualification. Uruguay booked their ticket with a convincing 3-0 home win over Peru, while Colombia matched that scoreline against Bolivia. Paraguay, meanwhile, sealed their return to the World Cup after holding Ecuador to a goalless draw in Asunción.
The qualification format for CONMEBOL sees six of the ten teams qualify automatically, with a seventh going into an intercontinental playoff. Paraguay’s result ensured their ninth appearance at the finals and their first since 2010.
Venezuela, who currently occupy seventh place, will head into the final round of qualifiers with hopes of keeping their World Cup dream alive.
