Key Takeaways:
- Last night, Lionel Messi scored twice in Argentina’s 3:0 World Cup qualifying triumph over Venezuela at the Monumental Stadium
- The victory ensured Argentina maintained their lead at the top of the CONMEBOL qualifiers, having already secured World Cup qualification
- Venezuela remain in seventh place, vying to retain their intercontinental playoff spot as Bolivia lost 0:3 to Colombia
Match Overview
Argentina delivered a commanding performance at the iconic Monumental Stadium, defeating Venezuela 3:0 in the penultimate round of CONMEBOL World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Lionel Messi was at the heart of the hosts’ victory, scoring in the 39th and 80th minutes. Lautaro Martínez, coming off the bench in the second half, netted Argentina’s second goal in the 76th minute. Albiceleste also saw two goals disallowed, from Cristian Romero in the fourth minute and Messi himself late in the match.
This fixture carried special significance for Messi, potentially marking his final international appearance on home soil in Argentina’s colours.
Line-Ups and Support
Lionel Scaloni started with a strong squad including Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez between the posts, Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez in attack, and Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero alongside several other regulars. Lautaro Martínez featured as a substitute in the second half, contributing directly to the scoreline.
Estadio Monumental ahead of what may be Messi's last match in Argentina:
'Thank you for everything my captain'
— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 4, 2025
As Messi had indicated before the match, his family attended the occasion, with his three sons joining him during the national anthem ceremony. Supporters in the stands honoured the Argentina captain with a striking choreography depicting memorable moments of his career and a banner that read: “Thank you for everything, captain!”
Match Timeline and Key Moments
Argentina set the tempo immediately, with Cristian Romero’s effort in the fourth minute ruled out for offside. The hosts dominated possession – peaking at 80% in periods of the first half – and pushed forward with intent. Both Nicolás Tagliafico and Messi missed clear chances before the breakthrough.
After a misplaced pass by a Venezuelan player in midfield, Argentina executed a rapid counterattack as Álvarez set up Messi in the area. Messi displayed his signature technique, masterfully chipping the ball into the net in the 39th minute to put his side ahead.
The second half maintained a similar rhythm, with Argentina dictating play and Venezuela offering limited resistance. Messi was twice thwarted by goalkeeper Rafael Romo around the 60-minute mark. Thiago Almada then missed the target from distance. In the 76th minute, Lautaro Martínez extended the lead, finishing off Nicolás González’s impressive incursion and assist. Only four minutes later, Almada’s quick break down the right flank provided Messi with another opportunity, which he dispatched crisply for Argentina’s third goal. Although Messi found the net yet again during injury time, the assistant referee flagged for offside, halting what would have been a farewell hat-trick.
| Scorers | Minute | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | 39 | Argentina |
| Lautaro Martínez | 76 | Argentina |
| Lionel Messi | 80 | Argentina |
Analysis: Qualification Dynamics
Argentina, as holders of the Copa América and reigning world champions, have secured both World Cup 2026 qualification and top spot in the group, rendering their remaining qualifiers inconsequential for their own progression. In contrast, Venezuela’s path remains precarious. Although Bolivia’s 0:3 loss to Colombia granted them a reprieve, Venezuela must still secure enough points in their final match to preserve their place in the crucial seventh position, which leads to the intercontinental playoff.
Celebration and Legacy
Despite the final moments denying Messi a hat-trick, the crowd at Monumental ensured the legendary forward received a hero’s send-off, with rapturous applause and a vibrant atmosphere prevailing throughout. The occasion served as both a testament to Messi’s enduring brilliance and Argentina’s status as South American front-runners.
