Lionel Messi scored twice in his final home World Cup qualifier for Argentina, leading his team to a 3-0 victory over Venezuela. The match doubled as a farewell to Messi, who remains undecided about his participation in the 2030 World Cup. Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay secured World Cup spots, while Venezuela battles for a play-off position.
Lionel Messi ensured his final home World Cup qualifier for Argentina was a memorable one, scoring twice in a 3-0 victory over Venezuela. The match, played in front of a sold-out crowd at Estadio Monumental, served as a heartfelt farewell to the Argentine legend. The atmosphere was electric, with fans eager to show their appreciation for Messi's contributions to the national team over the years.
"Being able to finish this way here is what I’ve always dreamed of," Messi expressed, reflecting on the significance of the occasion. "I’ve experienced a lot of things on this pitch, both good and not so good, but it’s always a joy to play in Argentina, in front of our fans." His words resonated deeply with the supporters, who have witnessed his journey from a promising youngster to a global icon.
While the victory over Venezuela was a celebration of Messi's career, it also served as an important step in Argentina's World Cup qualifying campaign. With the team already assured of a place in the tournament, the match provided an opportunity to experiment with different formations and give younger players a chance to gain valuable experience. The win further solidified Argentina's position at the top of the South American qualifying standings.
Messi's future with the national team beyond the current World Cup cycle remains uncertain. He has been coy about his plans for the 2030 World Cup, which will begin in 2027 when he is 40 years old, emphasizing the importance of taking things one step at a time. When asked about it he clarified that he will only compete in next year’s World Cup if he feels physically fit. His dedication to maintaining his fitness and contributing at the highest level is a testament to his professionalism and commitment to the sport.
“Same as I said before about the World Cup that I don’t think I’ll play another. Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won’t make it,” he said. “But well, we’re almost there so I’m excited and motivated to play it. Like I always say, I go day by day, match by match. That’s it, taking it day by day, going by how I feel.
“Day by day, trying to feel good and above all, being honest with myself. When I feel good, I enjoy it, but when I don’t, honestly, I don’t have a good time, so I prefer not to be there if I don’t feel good. So we’ll see. I haven’t made a decision about the World Cup.
“Match by match, I’ll finish the season, then I’ll have preseason, and there will be six months left. So we’ll see how I feel. Hopefully I’ll have a good preseason in 2026 and finish this MLS season well and then I’ll decide.”
Messi showcased his enduring talent, scoring in the 39th and 80th minutes. A late attempt at a hat-trick was denied by an offside flag, but his two goals were enough to send the crowd into raptures. Lautaro Martínez also added his name to the scoresheet in the 76th minute, further highlighting Argentina's attacking prowess. His Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez has 29 goals in continental qualifying, but he has retired from international duty.
With these goals, Messi's tally in South American World Cup qualifiers now stands at 36, cementing his status as the all-time leading scorer in the region. His remarkable achievement is a testament to his consistency and longevity at the highest level of international football.
The match also had implications for other teams vying for World Cup qualification. Defeat for Venezuela secured qualification for Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay, who joined Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador as the automatic qualifiers from South America. The race for the remaining spots promises to be a closely contested affair.
Colombia and Uruguay celebrated their qualifications with commanding 3-0 victories over Bolivia and Peru, respectively. Paraguay and Ecuador played out a 0-0 draw, while Brazil also secured a 3-0 win against Chile in another match of the night. The results underscored the competitive nature of South American World Cup qualifying, where every match is a battle.
Venezuela currently holds a narrow one-point lead over Bolivia in the battle for a play-off spot. The final round of matches promises to be filled with drama and excitement, as teams fight for their chance to compete in the World Cup.