Messi Shines With Brace As Uruguay, Colombia And Paraguay Book Their Tickets To The 2026 World Cup

Lionel Messi once again proved why he remains the heartbeat of Argentine football as he scored a brilliant brace in Buenos Aires to the delight of more than 80,000 fans, while Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay all secured their spots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, confirming their status among the continent’s best. The night was filled with emotions, celebrations, and a strong sense of history in the making as South America’s giants continued their march toward the world’s biggest sporting spectacle.

Argentina, who had already sealed qualification long before this week’s clash, put on a show against Venezuela in what many described as an emotional farewell of sorts for Messi on home soil during a World Cup qualifier. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who will be 39 years old by the time the tournament kicks off in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, looked unstoppable as he scored in the 39th and 80th minutes in a 3-0 win at the iconic Mas Monumental Stadium. The victory not only extended Argentina’s dominance in the qualifiers but also served as a reminder that Messi still has much to give at the highest level.

The atmosphere in Buenos Aires was electric as fans packed into the stadium to witness their captain in what could be his final competitive qualifier on Argentine soil. Messi’s three sons were seen by his side before kick-off, and his father Jorge was also in attendance, further fueling the emotional weight of the night. For many in the crowd, it was a celebration of a career that has brought Argentina back to global supremacy, culminating in the unforgettable World Cup triumph in Qatar in 2022. As Messi slotted in both goals with his trademark composure and brilliance, chants of his name filled the night sky, reminding the world why he remains the face of modern football.

Meanwhile, Uruguay ensured they would not miss out on the party as Marcelo Bielsa’s men secured qualification in emphatic style, defeating Peru 3-0 at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo. The packed 60,000-capacity crowd erupted when Rodrigo Aguirre opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a towering header that flew past Pedro Gallese in the Peruvian goal. Uruguay, two-time World Cup champions, needed only a point to secure their ticket, but they went beyond expectations with a dominant display that left fans and players celebrating qualification in style.

Bielsa, the charismatic veteran coach who has now led a third national team to World Cup qualification, cut an animated figure on the sidelines as Giorgian de Arrascaeta doubled the lead before the hour mark, blasting home from close range. Federico Vinas added the third goal late in the game, sealing a perfect night for the Uruguayans who have experienced both joy and frustration under Bielsa’s tenure. While qualification was widely expected, it still came as a moment of relief and excitement for a nation that takes deep pride in its footballing heritage.

Colombia also joined the growing list of qualifiers after brushing aside Bolivia with a comfortable 3-0 victory. The hero of the night was none other than James Rodriguez, the 34-year-old attacking midfielder who once lit up the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with his dazzling skills and goals. James rolled back the years with a composed finish just after the half-hour mark, sending Colombian fans into raptures. Jhon Cordoba extended the lead in the 74th minute, ensuring no late drama, before Juan Fernando Quintero sealed the win with a third goal that confirmed Colombia’s ticket to the finals. For Colombian supporters, it was a proud moment as they return to the world stage with renewed hope after missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar.

Paraguay, meanwhile, ensured their return to the global stage after a long absence by grinding out a goalless draw against Ecuador. The result was enough to confirm their qualification, sending the nation to its ninth World Cup and first since 2010. The stalemate may not have been a spectacle, but for Paraguayans, it was a night of celebration as years of struggle and near-misses were finally put to rest with a ticket to North America. Their campaign had been built on discipline and resilience, and the final match reflected those qualities perfectly.

With Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay, and Ecuador now confirmed for the tournament, South America has once again underlined its dominance in world football. Under the new 48-team format, six of the 10 CONMEBOL nations qualify automatically, while the seventh-placed team heads into an intercontinental playoff. Venezuela currently holds that playoff spot, keeping alive their dream of making a historic first-ever World Cup appearance.

The qualification results also highlight the generational shifts taking place across South American football. While Messi continues to lead Argentina with grace and brilliance, countries like Uruguay and Colombia are mixing experienced stars with new faces to carve out their identities ahead of 2026. Marcelo Bielsa’s influence on Uruguay is being closely watched, with fans hoping he can strike the right balance between flair and structure to make Uruguay competitive once again on the world stage. For Colombia, the continued presence of James Rodriguez is a reminder of their past glory, but younger talents are also stepping up to ensure a brighter future. Paraguay’s return adds a sense of nostalgia, bringing back memories of their competitive squads from the early 2000s that pushed some of the world’s best teams to the limit.

As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup gathers pace, excitement across South America is building. For Argentina, the focus will inevitably be on whether Messi can inspire his country to back-to-back World Cup titles in what would almost certainly be his last dance on football’s biggest stage. For Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay, the challenge will be to capitalize on their qualification momentum and show that they can stand tall against the world’s elite.

The night of September 5, 2025, will be remembered not only for Messi’s brilliance but also for the collective joy of South America’s footballing nations. Fans poured into the streets, waving flags, singing songs, and dreaming of glory in the summer of 2026. The world will be watching closely as legends, veterans, and rising stars come together in what promises to be the biggest and most diverse World Cup in history.

For now, Messi’s smile in Buenos Aires, Bielsa’s passion in Montevideo, James Rodriguez’s elegance in Colombia, and Paraguay’s relief after a long wait all tell the story of a continent ready to conquer again. The stage is set, the giants have arrived, and the road to North America is paved with dreams, drama, and destiny.