MONTEVIDEO: Lionel Messi scored twice for Argentina in emotional scenes in Buenos Aires on Thursday whereas Uruguay, Colombia and Paraguay joined the reigning champions at subsequent 12 months’s World Cup.
With Argentina having already lengthy booked their place on the event in North America, Messi struck within the thirty ninth and eightieth minutes in a 3-0 residence win over Venezuela.
Messi, who has received the Ballon d’Or eight occasions, sparkled in entrance of an adoring crowd of 80,000 on the Mas Monumental stadium in his final residence qualifier for his nation.
The Argentine legend will flip 39 throughout subsequent 12 months’s World Cup, however regardless of his superior years, he appears to be like set to play one other pivotal position as Lionel Scaloni’s aspect defend their crown.
Messi had his three sons with him earlier than kickoff and his father, Jorge, was additionally in attendance to mark the event.
Uruguay sealed their berth in the USA, Canada and Mexico by beating Peru 3-0 at residence whereas Colombia noticed off Bolivia by the identical scoreline.
Paraguay additionally reached the 2026 finals after a 0-0 residence draw in opposition to already certified Ecuador.
Brazil have additionally already certified from South America.
Bielsa does it once more
In entrance of 60,000 at a packed-out Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Rodrigo Aguirre put Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay on their method on 14 minutes.
The Membership America ahead leapt highest to position a thumping header into the highest nook previous Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
The Uruguayans, winners of the World Cup in 1930 and 1950, had wanted only a level to qualify and ship their charismatic veteran coach Bielsa to the event as soon as once more.
The 70-year-old has now taken a 3rd crew to World Cup qualification.
Bielsa’s appointment as Uruguay coach in 2023 was greeted with pleasure, even euphoria, however an underwhelming qualification marketing campaign has dampened that enthusiasm.
Qualification was all the time doubtless in a system that sees six of the ten CONMEBOL sides qualify robotically for 2026, with yet another heading into an inter-continental play-off.
Venezuela at present maintain seventh place with yet another qualifier to go.
Giorgian de Arrascaeta doubled Uruguay’s lead simply earlier than the hour, lashing residence from shut vary to make sure a celebration environment within the Uruguayan capital.
Federico Vinas scored a 3rd 10 minutes from time.
Colombia additionally sealed their place in subsequent summer season’s extravaganza due to a cushty victory over Bolivia.
The 34-year-old former Actual Madrid and Bayern Munich attacker James Rodriguez, the breakout star of the 2014 World Cup, pounced simply after the half-hour mark.
Jhon Cordoba made certain there have been no late scares together with his aim within the 74th minute, earlier than Juan Fernando Quintero made it three.
Like Uruguay, Paraguay wanted solely a draw to qualify once they hosted Ecuador.
They bought the job performed as they floor out a goalless stalemate and can be at their ninth World Cup — however first since 2010.
