Football legend Lionel Messi delivered a vintage performance, scoring a brilliant brace in what could be his final match at home for Argentina. The reigning world champions cruised to a 3-0 victory over Venezuela in the FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday.
The 38-year-old eight-time Ballon d’Or winner showed no signs of slowing down. In the 39th minute, Messi latched on to a through ball from Julian Alvarez and chipped it over the Venezuelan goalkeeper in trademark fashion, leaving both the keeper and defender on the ground. The crowd at Estadio Monumental erupted, giving their captain a standing ovation.
The atmosphere was charged with emotion, with fans turning out in huge numbers to pay tribute to their hero. Messi was visibly moved during the warm-up, wiping away tears as chants of his name filled the stadium.
Lautaro Martinez doubled Argentina’s lead in the 76th minute, before Messi struck again just four minutes later, tapping in a perfect assist from Thiago Almada to seal the victory.
Argentina, already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, now sit comfortably on top of the South American table alongside Brazil and Ecuador.
Speaking ahead of the match, Messi had acknowledged its significance:
“It will be a very special match for me because it’s the last qualifier. That’s why my whole family will be there with me.”
If this was indeed his last home qualifier, it was a fitting farewell — a night where Messi once again reminded the world why he is regarded as the greatest footballer of all time.
