Messi nets emotional brace as Uruguay, Colombia qualify for 2026 World Cup

Lionel Messi scored twice for Argentina in emotional scenes in Buenos Aires on Thursday night, while Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay joined the reigning champions at the 2026 World Cup.

Messi, in his last home qualifier for his country and with Argentina having already booked their place in North America, 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.

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The coach said: “Messi made an enormous effort and deserves a rest and to be with his family.

“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.

The Star