Farewell with Fireworks: Messi Leads Argentina to Victory in Buenos Aires
In what may be his final World Cup qualifier on home soil, Lionel Messi scored twice to lead Argentina to a 3-0 win over Venezuela on Thursday night at a packed Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires.
Messi, who found the net in the 39th and 80th minutes, gave 80,000 fans one more unforgettable performance. The 36-year-old — set to turn 39 during the 2026 tournament — was joined by his three sons and father, Jorge Messi, before kick-off in a moment full of emotion and symbolism.
Though Argentina had already secured qualification, the reigning world champions delivered a confident display, with Messi once again reminding fans of his enduring class and importance to Lionel Scaloni’s team.
Bielsa’s Uruguay Book Ticket with Convincing Win Over Peru
In Montevideo, a raucous crowd of 60,000 at Estadio Centenario witnessed Uruguay’s 3-0 victory over Peru, sealing their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Veteran coach Marcelo Bielsa has now guided a third national team to World Cup qualification. Rodrigo Aguirre, Giorgian de Arrascaeta, and Federico Viñas were the scorers for Uruguay, whose qualification campaign had been steady if unspectacular.
Colombia Cruise Past Bolivia to Seal Qualification
Colombia also booked their place with a 3-0 win over Bolivia. The evergreen James Rodríguez opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, reminding fans of his 2014 World Cup heroics. Jhon Córdoba and Juan Fernando Quintero added goals in the second half to complete a routine victory.
Paraguay Return to World Cup After 14 Years
Paraguay claimed the final automatic qualifying spot from Thursday’s fixtures with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador, a result good enough to secure their first World Cup appearance since 2010.
With six of CONMEBOL’s 10 teams qualifying automatically and a seventh heading to an intercontinental play-off, the stakes remain high for teams like Venezuela, currently seventh with one qualifier remaining.
Brazil Already In, One Spot Still Up for Grabs
Brazil, like Argentina, had already qualified and will join the growing list of South American representatives heading to North America in 2026.
With just one round of qualifiers left, attention turns to the final available intercontinental play-off spot — and Venezuela remain in contention.
