Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass in his final World Cup home qualifier, guiding Argentina to a commanding 3-0 victory over Venezuela. In an emotional night at the Monumental Stadium, the 38-year-old scored twice and reaffirmed his enduring quality on the international stage.
A Memorable Evening at the Monumental
Messi opened the scoring in the 39th minute, converting a slick counter-attack orchestrated by Julian Álvarez. The stadium erupted as the captain displayed composure in finishing the move with precision into the top corner.
Argentina maintained pressure in the second half. In the 76th minute, Lautaro Martínez rose to head home a cross from Nico González, delivering a powerful finish with athletic grace.
Just four minutes later, Messi sealed the win with a second goal, following up on a low cross from Thiago Almada. The goal capped off an emotional night and brought Argentina closer to securing top spot in CONMEBOL qualifying.
A Fitting Farewell at Home
This match marked Messi’s last qualifying appearance in Argentina, and the atmosphere reflected the significance. Fans packed the stadium, waving scarves and chanting his name. Prior to kickoff, Messi entered the field alongside his sons and acknowledged the cheers with gratitude.
After the game, he admitted that his age and physical state could influence his participation in the 2026 World Cup, signaling a possible farewell in the near future.
Team Depth and Confident Control
Even as Messi grabbed the headlines, Argentina’s full team performance stood out. The midfield and defence kept a clean sheet effortlessly, while youngsters like Franco Mastantuono impressed in his first senior start. He held the midfield with poise and passed accurately throughout his time on the pitch.
What It Means for Argentina’s Campaign
With this convincing win, Argentina leads the CONMEBOL qualifying group with 38 points. Momentum is high as the reigning world champions head into their final group match against Ecuador. For Messi, this performance served as a reminder of his class and competitive spirit even at 38.
Click here to read about Spain’s win in the World Cup qualifiers
https://shorturl.fm/CznCS