Messi doubtful over playing in 2026 World Cup, Uruguay beat Peru to seal spot

Lionel Messi cast doubt on his participation in the 2026 World Cup after his double in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Venezuela in the penultimate round of the South American qualifiers.

Despite his goals against La Vinotinto and Argentina’s early qualification, the 38-year-old national captain was cautious about his potential participation next year after being affected by injuries and missing several games at MLS side Inter Miami.

“In the past, I said it, logically, it was unlikely I’d play in a World Cup at 39. It’s nine months away, which is close, but it’s a long time as well,” Messi told reporters at the Monumental Stadium after Thursday night’s game.

“I love this, I love playing and I never want it to end, but the moment is coming, I am aware, it will happen when it has to happen.”

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni decided that Messi should rest and not travel with the national team to the final qualifying match against Ecuador in Guayaquil on Tuesday.

“When I feel good, I enjoy myself. And if I’m not feeling well, I really struggle, I’d rather not be playing, so we’ll see,” Messi added, when asked about his fitness.

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.

It was the 18-year-old Chelsea winger Estevao’s first goal for his country.

Bielsa does it again: In front of 60,000 at a packed-out Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Rodrigo Aguirre put Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay on their way on 14 minutes.

The Club America forward leapt highest to place a thumping header into the top corner past Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.

The Uruguayans, winners of the World Cup in 1930 and 1950, had needed just a point to qualify and send their charismatic veteran coach Bielsa to the tournament once again.

The 70-year-old has now taken a third team to World Cup qualification.

Bielsa’s appointment as Uruguay coach in 2023 was greeted with excitement, even euphoria, but an underwhelming qualification campaign has dampened that enthusiasm.

Qualification was always likely in a system that sees six of the 10 CONMEBOL sides qualify automatically for 2026, with one more heading into an inter-continental play-off.

Venezuela currently hold seventh place with one more qualifier to go.

Giorgian de Arrascaeta doubled Uruguay’s lead just before the hour, lashing home from close range to ensure a party atmosphere in the Uruguayan capital.

Federico Vinas scored a third 10 minutes from time.

Colombia also sealed their place in next summer’s extravaganza thanks to a comfortable victory over Bolivia.

The 34-year-old former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich attacker James Rodriguez, the breakout star of the 2014 World Cup, pounced just after the half-hour mark. Jhon Cordoba made sure there were no late scares with his goal in the 74th minute, before Juan Fernando Quintero made it three.

Like Uruguay, Paraguay needed only a draw to qualify when they hosted Ecuador.

They got the job done as they ground out a goalless stalemate and will be at their ninth World Cup — but first since 2010.

Agencies