At the midpoint of FIFA World Cup qualifiers in South America, it's time to give each team a letter grade from A to F based on their performances so far.

On a night where Lionel Messi stole the headlines with a wondrous performance for Argentina, the likes of Colombia and Brazil also picked up some fantastic results.

A fourth straight loss in World Cup qualifying for Brazil last week could have meant the beginning of the end for coach Júnior, who took over only in January.

Argentina's superstar Lionel Messi bagged a hat-trick and provided two assists in a dominant 6-0 win over Bolivia in World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday, while Brazil dominated Peru 4-0. Messi opened the scoring for the Albiceleste in the 19th minute at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

Another slip-up by Brazil could leave them out of the qualification places and at risk of missing out on the World Cup.

An 89th-minute goal by substitute Luiz Henrique gave Brazil a 2-1 away win over Chile on Thursday in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match. The win meant under-pressure Brazil coach Dorival Júnior's team will finish the ninth round of the round-robin competition in fourth place in South American qualifying.

Colombia, Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina all face tricky away trips in the next round of South American World Cup 2026 qualifying this week.

Brazil forward Vinicius Jr will miss their World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Peru due to injury, the Brazilian FA (CBF) said on Sunday, making him the fourth player to be replaced in the squad.