Messi scores twice as Argentina cruise past Venezuela; Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay also seal World Cup spots

Lionel Messi delivered a memorable performance in front of a packed Buenos Aires crowd on Thursday, scoring twice in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Venezuela in what could be his final home qualifier for his country.

With qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup already secured, the reigning world champions treated their fans to a night of celebration at the Mas Monumental stadium.

Messi found the net in the 39th and 80th minutes, shining once again in the iconic blue and white. The emotional evening was made more special by the presence of his three sons and father Jorge, who joined him on the pitch pre-match. Despite turning 39 during next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner appears poised for another major role under coach Lionel Scaloni.

Argentina’s dominant performance was part of a bigger night for South American football, as Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay all secured their places at the 2026 finals.

Uruguay qualify in style under Bielsa

Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay clinched their ticket with a commanding 3-0 home victory over Peru at the historic Estadio Centenario in Montevideo. Rodrigo Aguirre opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a powerful header, setting the tone for a lively evening in front of 60,000 fans.

Giorgian de Arrascaeta added a second just before the hour mark, and Federico Vinas sealed the result 10 minutes from time. The result means Uruguay, two-time World Cup champions, will return to the global stage — and their veteran coach Bielsa will head to another World Cup, having now qualified three different national teams.

Colombia power past Bolivia

Colombia also confirmed their spot with a 3-0 home win over Bolivia. James Rodriguez rolled back the years by scoring the opener just after the half-hour mark. Jhon Cordoba doubled the lead in the 74th minute before Juan Fernando Quintero added a third late on to seal the result.

Paraguay grind out qualification

Paraguay secured the final automatic qualification spot of the night with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Ecuador in Asunción. It will be their ninth appearance at a World Cup, and their first since 2010.

South America’s road to 2026

With Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay now confirmed, five of the six automatic CONMEBOL qualification spots for the expanded 2026 World Cup have been filled. One team will advance to an intercontinental playoff, while Venezuela currently hold seventh place with one qualifier remaining.

The final round of matches will determine who gets the last direct ticket and who moves into the playoff spot, with nations like Chile and Venezuela still in contention.

Key moments:

Lionel Messi scores twice in emotional home farewell qualifier.

Uruguay thump Peru 3-0 to qualify under Marcelo Bielsa.

Colombia ease past Bolivia 3-0 with goals from James, Cordoba, and Quintero.

Paraguay qualify with goalless draw against Ecuador.

Brazil and Ecuador already booked their places prior to this round.

The road to North America is taking shape, and the South American giants will once again be major contenders next year.