Thank you God: Neymar stars as he guides his team to Russia 2018 tournament

Brazil's forward Neymar celebrates after scoring against Paraguay during their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier football match in Sao Paulo, Brazil on March 28, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Miguel SCHINCARIOL

Brazil became the first team to qualify for the World Cup on Tuesday night after beating Paraguay to clinch an eighth consecutive victory as Argentina’s campaign stumbled after the shock suspension of Lionel Messi.

Five-time champions Brazil had been left waiting in suspense after goals from Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and Marcelo handed them a 3-0 win over the Paraguayans at Sao Paulo’s Arena Corinthians.

But Uruguay’s upset 2-1 defeat to Peru in the day’s final South American qualifier combined with other results meant Brazil are mathematically guaranteed a place at next year’s finals in Russia.

The qualification completes an astonishing turnaround for Brazil, who less than a year ago were in crisis after taking only nine points from six games.

But revival saw Brazil take maximum points from their next eight qualifying games, leaving them nine points clear with four games left.

While Brazil celebrated, Argentina and Messi were left digesting another stumble in their progress towards Russia as they slumped to a 2-0 defeat in La Paz.

Argentina had been rocked just hours before kick-off after confirmation Messi had been hit with a four-match ban following a ruling from disciplinary chiefs at world governing body Fifa in Zurich.

The defeat leaves Argentina languishing just outside the automatic qualifying places following results elsewhere on Tuesday night.