Messi Bids Farewell in Style as Argentina Dominates Venezuela in World Cup Qualifier

Historic Night at Estadio Monumental

In what marked his final World Cup qualifier on Argentine soil, Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass performance, scoring twice to lead Argentina to a commanding 3-0 victory over Venezuela at the Estadio Monumental.

The emotional evening was particularly special for Messi, who had always dreamed of finishing in front of his home fans. The Argentine captain finally achieved the same level of affection from his countrymen that he had experienced in Barcelona.

Dominant Performance

The match showcased Argentina’s superiority, with Messi opening the scoring in the 39th minute with a clever chip over diving Venezuelan defenders. Lautaro Martinez extended the lead with a header, and Messi sealed the victory with his second goal, courtesy of a precise pass from Thiago Almada.

Record-Breaking Achievement

The match further cemented Messi’s legacy as he maintained his position as the all-time scoring leader in South American World Cup qualifiers with 36 goals. The appearance also saw him equal Ecuadorian defender Ivan Hurtado’s record for most appearances in South American World Cup qualifiers with 72 matches.

Looking Ahead

The year 2025 continues to be crucial for the Argentina national team, as they aim to defend their world champion status. Under the guidance of head coach Lionel Scaloni, the team faces the challenge of proving why they remain the reigning champions as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup.

Regarding his participation in the 2026 World Cup, Messi has maintained a cautious stance, stating “we’ll see.” The captain has indicated that he will continue to monitor his body in the months leading up to the tournament to determine if participation is possible.