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Messi Scores 3 Goals as Argentina Wins in South American World Cup Qualifying and Brazil Tops Peru

Football - World Cup - South American Qualifiers - Argentina v Bolivia - Estadio Mas Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina - October 15, 2024 Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal. (Reuters)
Football - World Cup - South American Qualifiers - Argentina v Bolivia - Estadio Mas Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina - October 15, 2024 Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal. (Reuters)
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Messi Scores 3 Goals as Argentina Wins in South American World Cup Qualifying and Brazil Tops Peru

Football - World Cup - South American Qualifiers - Argentina v Bolivia - Estadio Mas Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina - October 15, 2024 Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal. (Reuters)
Football - World Cup - South American Qualifiers - Argentina v Bolivia - Estadio Mas Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina - October 15, 2024 Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal. (Reuters)

A hat trick and two assists: Lionel Messi came back in style for Argentina in its 6-0 home win in a South American World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday.

Messi, who missed two rounds of the competition in October due to a right ankle injury, played from start to finish on Tuesday in front of raucous fans at the Monumental de Nuñez Stadium, who chanted his name after he opened the scoring in the 19th minute.

Its archrival Brazil, whose coach Dorival Júnior was under pressure earlier this month, got some relief with a convincing performance in a 4-0 home win against Peru.

Argentina remained as leaders of the round-robin competition with 22 points after 10 matches, three points clear of second-place Colombia, who earlier beat Chile 4-0. Uruguay, which earlier had a goalless draw with Ecuador, and Brazil come next with 16 points.

The Uruguayans are in third position on goal difference.

Ecuador and Paraguay follow, with 13 points each, but the Ecuadorians have one more win to take the fifth position.

The top six teams in the region will secure automatic berths in the next World Cup. The seventh-place team, currently Bolivia, will play in an international playoff for a spot in the tournament in 2026.

Two more rounds of South American World Cup qualifying will be played in November.

Messi in strong form on return

Messi's first goal came after a mistake by a Bolivian defender, who missed a pass and allowed the 37-year-old Messi to run freely and finish unchallenged in front of goalkeeper Billy Viscarra. Messi assisted on Lautaro Martínez's goal in the 42th minute and gave a decisive pass once again in added time on a goal by Julián Álvarez.

Argentina appeared to slow its pace after the break, but scored again with Thiago Almada in the 69th minute. The striker scored from close range after a low cross by Nahuel Molina.

Messi's show had two great finishing touches from the edge of the box, the first in the 84th and the second in the 86th minute.

“We enjoyed this, we are happy to be here playing in Argentina,” said Messi, who once again refused to say whether he will play in the next World Cup in 2026. “This could be one of the last (matches in front of the Argentinian crowd).”

Bolivia, which is seeking to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 30 years, remains in contention with 12 points.

Brazil reappears under Júnior

This month's rounds of South American qualifying were important for coach Dorival Júnior. His team was knocked out in the quarterfinals of the latest Copa America and was struggling against rivals it used to beat easily, such as Paraguay and Venezuela.

Júnior's chances of success seemed low in matches against Chile and Peru due to injuries affecting several of his starters; goalkeeper Alisson, defender Éder Militão and striker Vinicius Júnior were all out. But a last-minute win against the Chileans and a convincing display against the Peruvians will give the Brazil coach some relief.

Raphinha scored from the spot twice to put Brazil in front in Brasilia, the first in the 38th minute and the second in the 54th.

Substitute Andreas Pereira made more than 60,000 fans at the National Stadium gasp when he scored with a volley in the 71st minute. Another substitute, Luiz Henrique, scored for the second consecutive match for the national team with a classy shot from the edge of the box.

“These were two matches that we controlled well,” Raphinha said. “We are far from perfection, but we are on the right track.”

Chile in last place

Chile's loss to Colombia has placed the job of coach Ricardo Gareca at risk. Davinson Sánchez, Luis Díaz, Jhon Durán and Luis Sinistierra scored the goals for Colombia. Chile is in last place in the qualifying group with only five points.

Paraguay beat Venezuela 2-1 and moved into a qualifying position in the standings. Jon Aramburo opened the scoring for the visitors in the 25th minute, but striker Antonio Sarabia came off the bench to win it for the hosts with goals in the 59th and 74th minutes.

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Mbappe Season on Ice Ahead of Silverware Sprint, World Cup

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe warms up ahead of the Spanish La Liga soccer match between CA Osasuna and Real Madrid, in Pamplona, Spain, 21 February 2026. (EPA)
Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe warms up ahead of the Spanish La Liga soccer match between CA Osasuna and Real Madrid, in Pamplona, Spain, 21 February 2026. (EPA)
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Mbappe Season on Ice Ahead of Silverware Sprint, World Cup

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe warms up ahead of the Spanish La Liga soccer match between CA Osasuna and Real Madrid, in Pamplona, Spain, 21 February 2026. (EPA)
Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe warms up ahead of the Spanish La Liga soccer match between CA Osasuna and Real Madrid, in Pamplona, Spain, 21 February 2026. (EPA)

French superstar Kylian Mbappe may have to put his season on hold because of a knee problem, with his main goals fast coming into view -- a first major trophy with Real Madrid, and a second World Cup triumph.

Little more than 100 days from the start of the 2026 World Cup, the France captain seems to be paying the price for efforts he has made to carry his team this season.

According to several sources contacted by AFP, Mbappe, hampered by damage to the outer ligament of his left knee since late 2025, had to withdraw from Madrid's squad to face Benfica in the Champions League play-off round on Wednesday because he felt "pain that was too persistent" in training.

Mbappe is expected to rest for at least 10 days so he can recover from the issue which has troubled him over the past couple of months.

His absence for one of the most important matches of the season, confirmed by Madrid on Wednesday, is a concern for Los Blancos, who lost at Osasuna in La Liga on Saturday to allow Barcelona back in front in the title race.

Beyond a personal quest for glory, having finished his first season at Madrid without a major trophy, the intense pressure and demand for results at the Santiago Bernabeu have contributed to Mbappe playing through the pain in recent weeks.

"It's important to highlight the immense effort Kylian is making and the fact that he's trying to help us out on the patch," said Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa on Tuesday.

- Key figure -

It is hard to imagine where the Spanish giants would be without their No 10's supreme finishing ability, as Mbappe has netted 38 goals in 33 matches this season across all competitions.

At least winger Vinicius Junior has finally hit top form after a slow start to the season and could pick up some of the slack, along with promising young striker Gonzalo Garcia, who Madrid fans are keen to see more of.

Mbappe is top scorer in both La Liga and the Champions League, even in a dysfunctional Madrid side that sacked coach Xabi Alonso in January.

If they are knocked out by Jose Mourinho's Benfica on Wednesday, a result that would trigger a fresh crisis, Madrid might be tempted to push their striker to play to salvage their season.

Should they progress then Mbappe will be eyeing the round of 16 clash against Manchester City or Sporting Lisbon, with the first leg set for March 10 or 11.

The next international break (March 23-30), when France face Brazil and Colombia in the United States, would come at the perfect time to give him another breather -- but could trigger a new club-versus-country conflict.

France are counting on their captain, a source close to the national team told AFP, adding that Mbappe is in "regular contact" with coach Didier Deschamps.

Deschamps is due to announce his squad list for the USA trip on March 19, with the tour including promotional events with American sportswear company Nike, who outfit both the French national team and Mbappe.

Sports

Cartel Violence Fuels Doubts About FIFA World Cup Games in Mexico

People walk at a parking lot of a supermarket where several vehicles were consumed by flames days after a series of blockades and attacks by organized crime following a military operation in which drug cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," was killed, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, February 24, 2026. REUTERS/Daniel Becerril
People walk at a parking lot of a supermarket where several vehicles were consumed by flames days after a series of blockades and attacks by organized crime following a military operation in which drug cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," was killed, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, February 24, 2026. REUTERS/Daniel Becerril
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Cartel Violence Fuels Doubts About FIFA World Cup Games in Mexico

People walk at a parking lot of a supermarket where several vehicles were consumed by flames days after a series of blockades and attacks by organized crime following a military operation in which drug cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," was killed, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, February 24, 2026. REUTERS/Daniel Becerril
People walk at a parking lot of a supermarket where several vehicles were consumed by flames days after a series of blockades and attacks by organized crime following a military operation in which drug cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," was killed, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, February 24, 2026. REUTERS/Daniel Becerril

Hugo Alejandro Pérez was in his house a few miles from the Mexican stadium that is slated to host FIFA World Cup games when gunfire and explosions erupted just outside his door.

The 53-year-old restaurant owner was already skeptical about his city, Guadalajara, hosting the international sporting event.

He saw a government that failed to fix basic things, like water service to his home, along with cartel violence in the surrounding state of Jalisco and shook his head. The surge of bloodshed this week following the Mexican military's killing of the country’s most powerful cartel boss offered more confirmation of his doubts.

“I don’t think they should host the World Cup here,” Peréz said. “We have so many problems, and they want to invest in the World Cup? With all the violence, it’s not a good idea.”

Peréz joined other people Tuesday in questioning Guadalajara's capacity to be a host city for the summer soccer competition, even as the Mexican government vowed that the international event — hosted jointly by Mexico, the United States and Canada — will not be affected.

President offers ‘every guarantee’ for World Cup President Claudia Sheinbaum was asked at her daily news briefing what guarantees there are that World Cup matches will be held in Jalisco. “Every guarantee,” she said, adding that there was “no risk” for fans coming to the tournament.

Jalisco Gov. Jesús Pablo Lemus said he had spoken with local FIFA officials, who have "absolutely no intention of removing any venues from Mexico. The three venues remain completely unchanged.”

The same day, the Portuguese soccer federation said it was “closely monitoring the delicate situation” in Mexico.” Its national team was scheduled to play Mexico’s team in a friendly on March 28 at the newly renovated Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, which is scheduled to host the opening World Cup match on June 11.

Jalisco, in western Mexico, was already facing scrutiny. The state has been plagued by some of the starkest examples of cartel violence in recent years, including the discovery of a cartel killing site at a ranch last March and a crisis of disappearances.

The state, with Guadalajara as its capital, is the central hub for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, whose leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, or “El Mencho,” was killed Sunday in a capture attempt by the military.

The operation and waves of violence killed 70 people. Cartel gunmen set fire to cars to block streets in states across the country, namely Jalisco, and fought with Mexican forces into Monday as the government said the conflict was under control.

The death of Oseguera Cervantes came as Mexico’s government has stepped up its offensive against cartels in an effort to meet demands by US President Donald Trump to crack down on criminal groups. The cartel, also known as CJNG, is one of the fastest-growing criminal networks in Mexico.

The White House confirmed that the US provided intelligence support to capture the cartel leader and applauded Mexico’s army for taking down a man who was one of the most wanted criminals in both countries. On Tuesday night, US President Donald Trump appeared to briefly reference the operation during his State of the Union address, saying “We’ve also taken down one of the most sinister cartel kingpins of all. You saw that yesterday.”

Drug lord's death could lead to more violence Peréz, the restaurant owner, also commended Sheinbaum's efforts to go after cartels, saying the government has taken cartel violence more seriously than her predecessors. At the same time, he said, local authorities in Jalisco have fallen short in protecting civilians.

The root concern for many is that the death of “El Mencho” could pave the way for more violence. Killing capos, in what's become known as the “kingpin strategy,” has been criticized by Sheinbaum herself because it can often spark internal conflict between cartel factions and push rival cartels to make territorial grabs.

Vanda Felbab-Brown, an academic at the Brookings Institution, said she doesn't see more acts of “revenge” by the cartel as likely, but the future remains uncertain, especially after leading figures in both CJNG and the Sinaloa Cartel have been knocked out in recent years.

“If there is no clear line of succession (in CJNG), we might see a lot of fighting within the cartel, its breakup, and there are a lot of scenarios," she said.

On Sunday, when firefights broke out between the cartel and soldiers, and gunmen began to burn a car just feet in front of Peréz's house, he let people on the street scramble inside his home to seek cover. The fighting raged for an hour.

Now he says he doesn't see the point of holding the games, adding that he doubts any of the money from the games will trickle down to businesses in working-class neighborhoods like his, even if they are just a 10-minute drive from the stadium. Similar tensions have simmered in Mexico City.

The World Cup is expected to be a $3 billion economic engine in Mexico, according to the Mexican Soccer Federation.

“It doesn't help us residents at all, honestly. They should move it to Monterrey or Mexico City. But right now here, we're not convinced,” The Associated Press quoted him as saying. "Things aren't in good enough shape for foreigners to be coming to Jalisco for an event like this.”

On Monday, some foreign tourists trapped in the violence in the city of Puerto Vallarta took to social media to warn of the violence, with a few remarking that they didn't plan to return.

Hope of snapping back to normal Despite that, Guadalajara was snapping back to its normal rhythm Tuesday. Many businesses opened their doors for the first time in two days, and streets were packed with traffic.

Workers were busy fixing up the exterior of the soccer stadium that will host World Cup matches. Cyclists zipped around outside the stadium, and parents played with children in parks.

Heavily armed police officers and National Guard members roamed the city, a sign for some that the government had the situation under control.

Juan Carlos Pila, a 55-year-old taxi driver, rolled his eyes at the reports of violence after spending two days waiting with his family for things to calm down. He said social media and local news outlets were overplaying the extent of the violence.

“People should come, man. Everyone is welcome,” he said.

Others, like Maria Dolores Aguirre, simply hoped for the best. Aguirre runs a small corner story in the cobblestoned tourist town of Tapalpa tucked away in Jalisco's mountains, where Mexico's military killed “El Mencho."

Aguirre’s family business of over 50 years depends on the flow of tourists to the normally sleepy town. Now she worries bloodshed will deal a blow to her livelihood and change towns like hers.

“It’s going to affect us. It’s collateral damage,” Aguirre said. “The government is going to have to have a lot of security. ... The entire world just saw what happened and, of course, people are going to think twice about coming.”

Sports

‘We Won’t Talk About That’: Benfica’s Tralhao Shuts Down Questions on Prestianni 

SL Benfica's assistant coach Joao Tralhao give a press conference on the eve of their UEFA Champions League knockout round playoff second leg football match against Real Madrid CF at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid on February 24, 2026. (AFP)
SL Benfica's assistant coach Joao Tralhao give a press conference on the eve of their UEFA Champions League knockout round playoff second leg football match against Real Madrid CF at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid on February 24, 2026. (AFP)
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‘We Won’t Talk About That’: Benfica’s Tralhao Shuts Down Questions on Prestianni 

SL Benfica's assistant coach Joao Tralhao give a press conference on the eve of their UEFA Champions League knockout round playoff second leg football match against Real Madrid CF at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid on February 24, 2026. (AFP)
SL Benfica's assistant coach Joao Tralhao give a press conference on the eve of their UEFA Champions League knockout round playoff second leg football match against Real Madrid CF at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid on February 24, 2026. (AFP)

Benfica assistant coach Joao Tralhao said his side's identity did not depend on any individual player as he declined to comment on the suspension of winger Gianluca Prestianni ahead of Wednesday's Champions League playoff second leg at Real Madrid.

Prestianni received a provisional one-match suspension from UEFA on Monday after he was accused of directing a racist slur at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr during the Spanish club's 1-0 first-leg win in Lisbon last week.

The 20-year-old Argentine winger denied the allegation, stating Vinicius "misunderstood what he thinks he heard," with Real midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni saying Prestianni admitted ‌to making a ‌homophobic remark instead.

"We are not going to talk about the ‌topic ⁠you asked about," ⁠Tralhao told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday.

"What we can say is that, regardless of the player on the pitch, we have an identity — a clear identity... whether player A plays or player B plays, we maintain the same profile."

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois condemned both racism and homophobia earlier on Tuesday, describing any form of insult as "just as serious".

He also criticized Benfica fans who made monkey gestures during the first leg, calling ⁠their behavior "deplorable" and "shameful" while defending Vinicius' goal celebration as harmless.

The ‌situation adds tension to Benfica's preparations for the match. ‌Midfielder Fredrik Aursnes said the squad experienced "a little bit different week."

"It's like a final tomorrow. ‌We have to win against an amazing team in a difficult stadium," the 30-year-old ‌Norwegian added.

Benfica will also be without head coach Jose Mourinho, who is suspended after receiving a red card in the first leg.

Mourinho, 63, stirred controversy after the first leg by suggesting Vinicius had provoked the crowd with his goal celebration.

Though absent from the bench on Wednesday, Mourinho ‌led training on Tuesday, where Prestianni participated with the team.

"I don’t know where he (Mourinho) will be. We prepared this match anticipating ⁠every scenario that ⁠may happen... From our side, as staff, we prepared the team, we prepared all the scenarios so that tomorrow we can perform at our level,” Tralhao said.

UEFA has appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to investigate allegations of discriminatory behavior, with a decision expected after proceedings conclude.

Benfica have appealed Prestianni's provisional suspension.

"We filed an appeal because we understand that nothing has been proven," Benfica President Rui Costa told reporters in Lisbon on Tuesday.

"It doesn't justify the player's absence from this game.

"I wasn't on the pitch to know what was said. What I can say is that I believe in my player. Prestianni is being crucified as a racist person and I can assure you that he is not.

"I expected something definitive, but in the end, there was only this provisional suspension."