BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Argentina is proving it can win without Lionel Messi, just in case he opts not to play in the 2026 World Cup. After Argentina secured a spot in next year's competition, the main question now is whether the 37-year-old star will play in his sixth tournament and try to win back-to-back championships.

Argentina will host Brazil in Buenos Aires on Tuesday in a key game for 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Albiceleste won the 2022 World Cup and are set to defend their title next year and they can officially clinch qualification against the historical rivals.

Argentina celebrated their 2026 World Cup qualification with a dazzling 4-1 thrashing of arch-rivals Brazil in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.Venezuela boosted their hopes of a first-ever World Cup qualification with a 1-0 win over Peru in Maturin.

Julian Alvarez opened the scoring after just four minutes as he darted between two yellow shirts and cleverly touched the ball past Bento. Brazil never recovered from the shaky start and it was 2-0 in the 12th minute,

The reigning World Cup champions still look the part, while Brazil has some soul searching to do before qualifying continues.

Argentina coach, Lionel Scaloni has explained why his team thrashed Brazil 4-1 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday. Brazil were humiliated by Argentina in Buenos Aires following goals from Julián Álvarez,