Messi’s Final Game on Argentinian Soil: World Champions Defeat Venezuela 3-0

Lionel Messi guided Argentina to a commanding 3-0 win over Venezuela in Buenos Aires on Friday morning, in a World Cup 2026 qualifier at the Monumental Stadium.

Messi opened the scoring with a stunning strike in the 39th minute. 

I C O N I C pic.twitter.com/olLa0H3ImG

Lautaro Martínez doubled the lead in the 76th, before Messi sealed the win just four minutes later with his second of the night, a brace that will be remembered as part of his farewell to Argentine fans on home soil.

🤍💙🇦🇷 Leo Messi scores a brace for Argentina in his likely-to-be last game in his country with the Selección. pic.twitter.com/z21xWl2uNl

Tens of thousands of supporters packed the Monumental stands for what is expected to be Messi’s final official match in Argentina before retiring from international football after the 2026 World Cup. 

صورة اليوم وصلت يا شبيحة😰😰❤️ pic.twitter.com/MA6actmG1W

The World Cup winner couldn’t hold back tears during the warm-up and walked onto the pitch for the national anthem alongside his children, creating an emotional moment for fans worldwide.

🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨

اطفال الاسطورة ليو ميسي يتاكدون هل يذرف والدهم الدموع 🥺#بث_مباشر |#نايفستا

pic.twitter.com/nzBZzWJttv

With the victory, Argentina extended their lead at the top of the South American qualifying table with 38 points, while Venezuela remain seventh with 18.