Brazil’s record of qualifying for every Men’s World Cup holds up, and Lionel MESSI’s presence is defined by his absence, in the action around CONMEBOL on TUE 28 MAR 2017.

• Bolivia 02-00 Argentina: La Verde were quick to take advantage of Messi’s four match suspension. A header by Juan Carlos ARCE and a tap by Marcelo MARTINS made up the scoring, but the win was not enough to prevent Bolivia’s elimination.
• Brazil 03-00 Paraguay: NEYMAR scored one goal, had another disallowed for offside, and had a penalty saved, but Brazil’s three goal evening was enough to secure their ticket to Russia.
• Peru 02-01 Uruguay: Carlos SÁNCHEZ put Uruguay ahead at the half hour mark, but Paolo GUERRERO found an equaliser just minutes later, and Edison FLORES put the Incas ahead in the second half. Sánchez’s replacement, Jonathan URRETAVISCAYA, picked up two yellow cards in thirteen minutes – clearly not what Celeste manager Óscar TABÁREZ had in mind. The win moves Peru to within four points of fifth placed Argentina.
• Qualified this matchday: Brazil
• Eliminated this matchday: Bolivia, Venezuela