Messi hits emotional brace as Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay seal World Cup spots
Lionel Messi scored twice for Argentina in emotional scenes in Buenos Aires on Thursday while Uruguay, Colombia and Paraguay joined the reigning champions at next year's World Cup.
In his last home qualifier for his country and with Argentina having already booked their place in North America, Messi struck in the 39th and 80th minutes to bag a 3-0 win over Venezuela.
Messi, who has won the Ballon d'Or eight times, sparkled in front of an adoring crowd of 80,000 at the Mas Monumental stadium to underline his enduring quality.
The Argentine legend will turn 39 during next year's World Cup, but despite his advanced years he looks set to play another pivotal role as Lionel Scaloni's side defend their crown.
Scaloni will rest his skipper for next week's dead-rubber at Ecuador.
"He made an enormous effort and deserves a rest and to be with his family," said the coach.
"He ended up very tired and physically exhausted. He should have come off, but he didn't because of the emotional nature of the match."
Messi had his three sons with him before kickoff and his father, Jorge, was also in attendance to mark the occasion.
Uruguay sealed their berth in the United States, Canada and Mexico by beating Peru 3-0 at home while Colombia saw off Bolivia by the same scoreline.
Paraguay also reached the 2026 finals after a 0-0 home draw against already qualified Ecuador.
Brazil, who had also already qualified, swept Chile aside 3-0 at the Maracana with the English Premier League trio of Estevao, Lucas Paqueta and Bruno Guimaraes getting the goals.
It was the 18-year-old Chelsea winger Estevao's first goal for his country.
- Bielsa does it again -
In front of 60,000 at a packed-out Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Rodrigo Aguirre put Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay on their way on 14 minutes.
The Club America forward leapt highest to place a thumping header into the top corner past Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
The Uruguayans, winners of the World Cup in 1930 and 1950, had needed just a point to qualify and send their charismatic veteran coach Bielsa to the tournament once again.
The 70-year-old has now taken a third team to World Cup qualification.
Bielsa's appointment as Uruguay coach in 2023 was greeted with excitement, even euphoria, but an underwhelming qualification campaign has dampened that enthusiasm.
Qualification was always likely in a system that sees six of the 10 CONMEBOL sides qualify automatically for 2026, with one more heading into an inter-continental play-off.
Venezuela currently hold seventh place with one more qualifier to go.
Giorgian de Arrascaeta doubled Uruguay's lead just before the hour, lashing home from close range to ensure a party atmosphere in the Uruguayan capital.
Federico Vinas scored a third 10 minutes from time.
Colombia also sealed their place in next summer's extravaganza thanks to a comfortable victory over Bolivia.
The 34-year-old former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich attacker James Rodriguez, the breakout star of the 2014 World Cup, pounced just after the half-hour mark.
Jhon Cordoba made sure there were no late scares with his goal in the 74th minute, before Juan Fernando Quintero made it three.
Like Uruguay, Paraguay needed only a draw to qualify when they hosted Ecuador.
They got the job done as they ground out a goalless stalemate and will be at their ninth World Cup -- but first since 2010.
N.Macleod--EWJ
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