Lionel Messi scored two goals as Argentina won 3-0 against Venezuela at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental.
Messi, 39, who has won the Ballon d’Or eight times, scored in the 39th and 80th minutes. About 80,000 fans cheered him on during his last home qualifier. His father, Jorge, and three sons were there to share the special moment. Messi’s strong performance shows he is ready to lead Argentina in the 2026 World Cup, held in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Por favor qué GOLAZO de Messi 🐐 pic.twitter.com/BEiXBlJdUL
— Liga Profesional de Fútbol (@LigaAFA) September 5, 2025Uruguay also secured its place in the World Cup by beating Peru 3-0 at Montevideo’s Estadio Centenario. Coach Marcelo Bielsa, aged 70, celebrated with 60,000 fans. Rodrigo Aguirre scored in the 14th minute, with Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Federico Vinas adding two more goals. Bielsa has now led three teams to the World Cup, despite a challenging qualification round.
¡Era para cerrar el estadio! 🤦 Leo Messi convertía un hat-trick con un sombrerito pero estaba en fuera de juego
43' ST | 🇦🇷 ARGENTINA 3 – 0 VENEZUELA 🇻🇪
🇦🇷 #ArgentinaXTelefe en https://t.co/S24R6EWDr8 con @giraltpablo, @jpvarsky y @sofimmartinez pic.twitter.com/kHrSKUAtVd
— telefe (@telefe) September 5, 2025Colombia qualified by winning 3-0 over Bolivia. James Rodriguez, Jhon Cordoba, and Juan Fernando Quintero scored the goals. Paraguay qualified by drawing 0-0 with Ecuador, making this their first World Cup since 2010. Out of South America’s 10 CONMEBOL teams, six qualify automatically. Venezuela, currently seventh, hopes for a playoff chance.
Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay promise tough competition at the 2026 World Cup
