Lionel Messi on Thursday scored twice for Argentina in emotional scenes in Buenos Aires, while Uruguay, Colombia and Paraguay joined the reigning champions at next year’s World Cup.
In his last home qualifier for his nation 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 to underline his enduring quality.
Photo: AP
The Argentine legend is to 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 Messi in next week’s match against Ecuador.
“He made an enormous effort, and deserves a rest and to be with his family,” the head coach said. “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 US, Canada and Mexico by beating Peru 3-0 at home, while Colombia saw off Bolivia by the same scoreline.
Paraguay also reached the 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 18-year-old Chelsea winger Estevao’s first goal for his country.
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 leaped highest to place a thumping header into the top corner past Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
Uruguay, winners of the World Cup in 1930 and 1950, had needed just a point to qualify and send their charismatic veteran head 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 sides qualify automatically for the finals, with one more heading into an inter-continental playoff.
Venezuela are currently in 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 FIFA 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 their first since 2010.
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