Lionel Messi marked his final World Cup qualifier on Argentine soil with a brace in a 3–0 win over Venezuela in Buenos Aires on Thursday, an emotional send-off that underlined the champions’ dominance at the top of South America’s standings.
The 38-year-old, who has not set a retirement date, confirmed this would be his last home qualifier; he struck in the 39th minute and added a late second after Lautaro Martínez’s header made it 2–0. Argentina, already through to the 2026 finals in North America, lead the section on 38 points and visit Ecuador next Tuesday.
Messi’s double extends his record as the all-time leading scorer in South American World Cup qualifying, with 36 goals. The evening at a packed Monumental carried the feel of a farewell, with the captain speaking of the bond with fans after full time.
Elsewhere on Thursday’s penultimate matchday, Brazil moved second with a 3–0 victory over Chile, while Uruguay climbed to third by beating Peru 3–0. Ecuador’s goalless draw with Paraguay in Asunción was enough to keep them fourth—and it sealed Paraguay’s return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010. Colombia also booked their ticket with a 3–0 win against Bolivia, goals coming from James Rodríguez, Jhon Córdoba and Juan Fernando Quintero.
The table after 17 rounds reflects a crowded chase behind Argentina: Brazil 28 points, Uruguay 27, Ecuador 26, Colombia and Paraguay 25, Venezuela 18 and Bolivia 17, with one matchday to play next week. Venezuela, seventh, will host Colombia as they try to hold on to the intercontinental play-off berth
