emirates7 - Lionel Messi scored twice as Argentina celebrated an emotional 3-0 victory over Venezuela in Buenos Aires on Thursday, while Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay also secured their spots for next year’s World Cup.
In what was Messi’s final home qualifier, and with Argentina already qualified for the tournament in North America, he struck in the 39th and 80th minutes to complete the win. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner thrilled a crowd of 80,000 at the Mas Monumental stadium, highlighting his enduring skill.
Despite turning 39 during the World Cup, Messi appears set to play a key role as coach Lionel Scaloni’s team aims to defend their title. Scaloni confirmed Messi will be rested for next week’s inconsequential match against Ecuador, saying, “He 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 was joined by his three sons and his father, Jorge, for the milestone game.
Uruguay booked their place in the tournament with a 3-0 home win over Peru, while Colombia defeated Bolivia by the same score. Paraguay qualified after a 0-0 draw with Ecuador, who had already secured their spot.
Brazil, already qualified, recorded a 3-0 victory over Chile at the Maracanã, with goals from Estevao, Lucas Paquetá, and Bruno Guimarães. The 18-year-old Chelsea winger Estevao scored his first goal for Brazil.
In Montevideo, Rodrigo Aguirre put Uruguay ahead in the 14th minute with a powerful header, delighting 60,000 fans. Uruguay, winners of the 1930 and 1950 World Cups, needed only a point to qualify under coach Marcelo Bielsa, who has now guided three different teams to World Cup qualification. Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Federico Viñas added further goals to secure the win.
Colombia also comfortably sealed qualification with a 3-0 win over Bolivia, featuring goals from James Rodríguez, Jhon Córdoba, and Juan Fernando Quintero.
Paraguay, needing only a draw to qualify, managed a goalless result against Ecuador, marking their ninth World Cup appearance and their first since 2010.
In what was Messi’s final home qualifier, and with Argentina already qualified for the tournament in North America, he struck in the 39th and 80th minutes to complete the win. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner thrilled a crowd of 80,000 at the Mas Monumental stadium, highlighting his enduring skill.
Despite turning 39 during the World Cup, Messi appears set to play a key role as coach Lionel Scaloni’s team aims to defend their title. Scaloni confirmed Messi will be rested for next week’s inconsequential match against Ecuador, saying, “He 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 was joined by his three sons and his father, Jorge, for the milestone game.
Uruguay booked their place in the tournament with a 3-0 home win over Peru, while Colombia defeated Bolivia by the same score. Paraguay qualified after a 0-0 draw with Ecuador, who had already secured their spot.
Brazil, already qualified, recorded a 3-0 victory over Chile at the Maracanã, with goals from Estevao, Lucas Paquetá, and Bruno Guimarães. The 18-year-old Chelsea winger Estevao scored his first goal for Brazil.
In Montevideo, Rodrigo Aguirre put Uruguay ahead in the 14th minute with a powerful header, delighting 60,000 fans. Uruguay, winners of the 1930 and 1950 World Cups, needed only a point to qualify under coach Marcelo Bielsa, who has now guided three different teams to World Cup qualification. Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Federico Viñas added further goals to secure the win.
Colombia also comfortably sealed qualification with a 3-0 win over Bolivia, featuring goals from James Rodríguez, Jhon Córdoba, and Juan Fernando Quintero.
Paraguay, needing only a draw to qualify, managed a goalless result against Ecuador, marking their ninth World Cup appearance and their first since 2010.