Lionel Messi in tears before scoring brace against Venezuela in final World Cup Qualifier at home – WATCH
Lionel Messi scored a brace and Lautaro Martinez netted a third as Argentina defeated Venezuela 3-0 in what might be their captain's final home competitive fixture.
New Delhi: Argentina played their last home World Cup Qualifier match against Venezuela at the Estadio Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. The match was crucial for Venezuela, as they looked to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but lost 3-0. On the other hand, Argentina gave an emotional farewell to their captain, Lionel Messi.
He walked onto the pitch with his children and was met with thunderous applause from more than 80,000 fans. Overcome by the moment, Messi wiped away tears as the team lined up for what many believe was his last competitive game in Argentina colours in front of home supporters.
Messi might sign a new contract with Inter Miami, but his international future remains uncertain after the 2026 World Cup. The next Copa America isn't until 2028, and the World Cup qualifying in South America for the 2030 tournament probably won't start until at least a year after the 2026 World Cup. Lionel Messi and the team will play friendly matches in the United States and India.
Argentina has already qualified for the 2026 mega tournament, as they have won 12 matches out of the 17 in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers, while Brazil is in second place after winning eight games out of the 18.
Lionel Messi scored the first goal for the team in the 38th minute. Paredes made a threaded pass to Julián Álvarez, who then delivered a perfectly timed through ball to Messi, allowing him to finish with class. The Argentine captain netted his second goal of the match in the 80th minute.
Lionel Messi's records for Argentina
Despite facing massive criticism earlier in his career, Messi has become one of the greatest players in Argentine football history. He has played 194 matches for the national team and became the country’s all-time top scorer with 114 goals, surpassing Gabriel Batistuta.
He has also set the record for the most assists in Argentina’s history, with 58, overtaking legends like Diego Maradona and Angel Di Maria. Messi has won multiple titles with the national team, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.