Messi Shines as Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia and Paraguay Secure World Cup Spots

Lionel Messi struck twice in a celebratory night at the Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires as Argentina eased past Venezuela 3-0 in their penultimate qualifier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Sport360NG reports.

With qualification already assured, the world champions still put on a show for their home crowd of 80,000. Messi scored in the 39th and 80th minutes, reminding fans of his enduring influence as he played what is likely his final home qualifier. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who will be 39 by the time the tournament begins in North America, shared the emotional occasion with his three sons and his father Jorge, who joined the pre-match celebrations.

Elsewhere in South America, Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay also secured their places at next year’s finals.

In Montevideo, Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay turned on the style in front of 60,000 supporters at the Estadio Centenario, cruising to a 3-0 win over Peru. Rodrigo Aguirre opened the scoring with a towering header after 14 minutes, Giorgian de Arrascaeta doubled the lead on 59 minutes, and Federico Viñas wrapped it up late on. The victory ensured Uruguay’s qualification, giving the 70-year-old Bielsa the distinction of leading a third national team to the World Cup.

Colombia made light work of Bolivia, also winning 3-0. James Rodríguez rolled back the years with the opener after half an hour, before Jhon Córdoba and Juan Fernando Quintero sealed the result in the second half.

Paraguay, needing only a point, clinched their return to the global stage with a goalless draw against Ecuador in Asunción. It marks their first World Cup appearance since 2010 and their ninth overall.

With Brazil already qualified and six automatic places available from the 10-team South American group, Venezuela remain in contention for the playoff spot as the campaign draws to a close.