Lionel Messi scored twice in his final World Cup qualifier on home soil as Argentina defeated Venezuela 3-0 on Thursday, while Paraguay and Colombia also booked their places at the 2026 tournament in North America.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, 38, has not announced when he will retire but confirmed that the clash against Venezuela would be his last home qualifier.
The world champions, already qualified for the finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States, dominated from the start. Nicolas Tagliafico and Franco Mastantuono threatened early, but Venezuela goalkeeper Rafael Romo kept them at bay.
Messi broke the deadlock in the 39th minute, finishing off a counter-attack from a Julian Alvarez pass with a shot into the top-right corner.
Argentina doubled their lead in the 76th minute when Nico Gonzalez crossed for Lautaro Martinez to score with a diving header. Four minutes later, Thiago Almada set up Messi for his second and Argentina’s third.
“Being able to finish this way here with my people is what I always dreamed of,” an emotional Messi said after the match. “For many years I had the affection of Barcelona fans and my dream was to have it here in my country too.”
On his future, Messi, who has scored a record 36 goals in South American qualifying, added: “It’s not something I like, want or expect. But time is passing, and it’s been many years.”
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Argentina lead the South American standings with 38 points and face Ecuador away in their final group match. Venezuela are seventh on 18 points and will host Colombia as they look to protect their intercontinental playoff spot, with Bolivia just a point behind.
Elsewhere on Thursday, Brazil climbed to second with 28 points after beating Chile 3-0 at the Maracana. Estevao, Lucas Paqueta and Bruno Guimaraes got the goals for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Uruguay moved up to third with 27 points following a 3-0 win over Peru courtesy of Rodrigo Aguirre, Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Federico Vinas.
Ecuador slipped to fourth on 26 points after a goalless draw with Paraguay, who secured their first World Cup qualification in 16 years.
Colombia also sealed their spot with a 3-0 victory over Bolivia. James Rodriguez, Jhon Cordoba and Juan Fernando Quintero scored for “Los Cafeteros,” who are fifth on 25 points.
