2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers: Argentina cheers for Lionel Messi in win over Venezuela

Second-place Argentina beat last-place Venezuela 3-0 on Friday in remaining match of penultimate round of South American World Cup qualifying.

Lionel Messi, who was recently booed by Paris Saint-Germain fans, appeared pleased after scoring third goal of match and receiving enthusiastic support from spectators at La Bombonera Stium in Bues Aires.

Brazil, Argentina, Ecuor and Uruguay have alrey secured region's four direct spots in Qatar later this year. Peru (21 points), Colombia (20) and Chile (19) will play in last round on Tuesday for fifth place, which qualifies for an international playoff with an Asian team.

Argentina opened scoring with Nico González from close range in 35th minute after a low cross by Rodrigo de Paul. Ángel di Maria, ar player who is under fire in France, netted second in 79th minute, lobbing Venezuelan goalkeeper after an assist by De Paul.

Messi and Brazil star Neymar have both faced criticism in France after ir club’s loss to Real Mrid in round of 16 of Champions League.

Argentina has 38 points in qualifiers, four behind leers Brazil. Argentina will travel to face third-place Ecuor on Tuesday. FIFA wants Argentina and Brazil to play ir suspended match of Sept. 6, when Brazilian health protocols stopped play in early minutes.