Messi Marks Emotional Home Farewell with Double in Argentina’s 3-0 Win.
Lionel Messi scored twice as Argentina defeated Venezuela 3-0 in Buenos Aires on Thursday, in what could be his final competitive match on home soil.
The 38-year-old captain walked onto the Monumental pitch with his children and was met by a deafening ovation from more than 80,000 fans. Visibly emotional, Messi wiped away tears before kick-off. He later confirmed it would be his last World Cup qualifier in Argentina, though he stopped short of announcing when he would retire.
Already assured of a place at the 2026 World Cup, Argentina controlled proceedings throughout. The breakthrough came in the 39th minute when Julián Álvarez squared for Messi to tap home. Lautaro Martínez doubled the lead with a diving header in the 76th minute before Messi added his second four minutes later, finishing a move started by Thiago Almada.
At the final whistle, Messi again embraced his family as fans waved flags and chanted his name. Across Argentina, tributes poured in, with CONMEBOL calling the night “the last dance.” The victory keeps Argentina top of the South American qualifying table with 38 points. They next face Ecuador, while Venezuela will look to revive their campaign against Colombia.
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