Lionel Messi scored twice as Argentina cruised to a 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Venezuela.
The reigning world champions dominated the match in Buenos Aires with Messi scoring late in each half of what could be his last international on home soil.
Messi opened the scoring six minutes before half-time, his effort beating several diving defenders after being fed by Julian Alvarez.
The hosts were well on top throughout, but had to wait until the 76th minute for Lautaro Martinez to head in a second.
Messi added his second four minutes later, but was denied a hat-trick in the dying moments when his effort was ruled out by an offside flag.
Defeat for Venezuela confirmed Uruguay, Colombia and Paraguay joined Argentina, Brazil and Ecuador as the automatic qualifiers from South America.
Colombia and Uruguay marked their qualifications with 3-0 wins over Bolivia and Peru respectively, while Paraguay and Ecuador drew 0-0. Brazil beat Chile 3-0 in the night’s other match.
Venezuela have a one-point lead over Bolivia with one match remaining in the fight for a play-off spot.
