Although the qualified national teams for the 2026 FIFA World Cup had already been decided, Matchday 18 was vital in determining which national team would secure the playoff spot, ultimately going to Bolivia. Additionally, the top scorer of the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers was determined, as there was a battle between Lionel Messi, Luis Diaz, and Miguel Terceros for the lead, which now has a clear winner.

Even if Lionel Messi was absent in the game against Ecuador, the Argentine star won the top scorer award in the CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup Qualifiers with eight goals. This occurred because Colombia’s Luis Diaz failed to score against Venezuela, as did Miguel Terceros for Bolivia against Brazil. Thus, the Inter Miami star secures his first-ever Golden Boot in the Qualifiers with the nation

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