Defending champions Argentina qualify for World Cup

South America has six direct berths in the next World Cup, a 48-team tournament to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Argentina were assured of one of the six spots when seventh-place Bolivia drew 0-0 with Uruguay in El Alto on Tuesday.

Backed by Lionel Messi, three-time World Cup winner Argentina (28 points) have led South American qualifying from the start, with few hiccups and major away wins at Brazil and Uruguay.

But coach Lionel Scaloni has not fielded 37-year-old Messi in several games, which still raises doubts on whether the superstar will play in the tournament next year.