Lionel Messi delivered a memorable performance in what could be his last match on Argentine soil, scoring two goals to lead Argentina to a 3-0 win over Venezuela in a World Cup qualifier, surrounded by an emotional atmosphere at a packed Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, with over 85,000 fans in attendance.
The evening began with Messi fighting back tears during the pre-game warm-ups and the national anthem, where his three sons stood proudly beside him, highlighting the sentimental significance of the occasion. In the 39th minute, Messi broke the deadlock with a clinical left-footed finish, set up by a selfless pass from Julián Álvarez, who chose to assist his captain instead of taking a shot, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Argentina extended their lead in the 76th minute when Lautaro Martínez, who had just been substituted into the match, headed home a cross from Nicolás González, which was sparked by a free kick from Messi, showcasing his ability to influence the game beyond scoring. Messi then capped off his stellar night with a second goal in the 80th minute, easily converting a pass from Thiago Almada, and he nearly completed a hat-trick in the 89th minute but was ruled offside after another successful shot.
This match marked Messi’s first goals for the national team in nearly a year, with his last being a hat-trick against Bolivia in October 2024, and he now holds the record for the most appearances in South American World Cup qualifiers with 72 games. After the match, Messi shared his emotions, saying, “To finish in this way, here with my people, is a dream,” and reflected on the many experiences, both good and bad, he has had on that pitch, expressing his love for playing in front of Argentine fans.
He remained non-committal about his participation in the 2026 World Cup, stating that he will only play if he feels physically fit and enjoys the game, emphasizing a day-by-day approach to his career. Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni expressed that if Messi decides to retire, the team would likely organize another farewell match to honor his legacy, acknowledging that he deserves a proper send-off given his contributions to football.
With this victory, Argentina maintains its top position in the CONMEBOL qualifiers with 38 points, already qualified for the World Cup, while Venezuela, with 18 points, remains in seventh place and still in the running for a playoff spot. The event not only celebrated Messi’s incredible career but also reinforced Argentina’s dominance in South American football as they look ahead to defending their World Cup title next year in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.