Messi Shines as Argentina, Uruguay, and Colombia Secure World Cup Spots
BUENOS AIRES — Lionel Messi gave Argentina fans another unforgettable night as the world champions eased past Venezuela 3-0 in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday.
Already assured of a place at the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Argentina put on a show at the Estadio Monumental stadium, where Messi struck twice in the 39th and 80th minutes before a crowd of 80,000. The victory marked the 36-year-old star’s final home qualifier for his country.
Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, was joined by his three sons before kickoff, with his father, Jorge, also present to mark the occasion. Despite turning 39 by the time of the next World Cup, Messi looks poised to remain central to Lionel Scaloni’s side as they defend their crown.
Elsewhere in South America, Uruguay confirmed its spot at the finals with a convincing 3-0 win over Peru in Montevideo. Rodrigo Aguirre opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a powerful header, followed by Giorgian de Arrascaeta just before the hour mark, and Federico Vinas sealed the result late on.
The win secured qualification for Marcelo Bielsa’s team, who only needed a point to progress. For Bielsa, 70, it was another milestone as he guided a third national team to the World Cup.
Colombia also booked their ticket with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Bolivia, while Paraguay clinched qualification after holding Ecuador to a goalless draw at home. Brazil, as expected, has already secured its place.
Venezuela, sitting in seventh, will head into the final round of qualifiers hoping for a lifeline through the inter-continental play-off spot.
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