Messi brace for Argentina downs Venezuela in emotional World Cup farewell

Messi brace for Argentina downs Venezuela in emotional World Cup farewell

Lionel Messi made sure he had vivid memories of his final appearance in a distinguished career playing for Argentina’s national team at home.

In front of a raucous sellout crowd at Estadio Monumental to bid him farewell, the former Barcelona forward scored twice on Thursday in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Venezuela.

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Messi said, “I’ve always dreamed of being able to finish this way here.”

“I’ve had many experiences on this pitch, both good and bad,” said one player. “It’s always fun to play in front of our fans in Argentina.”

Lionel Messi of Argentina stands in front of one of the numerous banners that the home fans have set up for him during the World Cup qualifying match [Marcos Brindicci/Getty Images]

Messi has yet to disclose when he will leave the sport’s elite, but the qualifiers for the 2030 World Cup will begin in 2027, at age 40.

Lautaro Martinez scored a goal in the 76th minute, while Lautaro Martinez added a goal in the 39th and 80th.

In South American World Cup qualifying games, Messi has now scored 36 goals and is still the top scorer ever.

Luis Suarez, his Inter Miami teammate, has 29 goals in qualifying for the Continental Cup, but he has already left Uruguay’s national team. Marcelo Moreno Martins of Bolivia leads with 22.

Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi leaves the field after winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Argentina and Venezuela
Lionel Messi, the forward of Argentina, bids his final farewell on home soil [Juan Mabromata/AFP]

Messi stated in the future that he would only be able to compete in the World Cup in the following year.

“I’m eager, eager,” I say. It continues to experience the sensations day by day. He continued, “I enjoy it if I feel good, and if not, I’d rather not be there,” adding that the nine months until the tournament officially begins “is a long time.”

The World Cup champions, who have already qualified, will continue to lead the South American standings despite what happens in the final round on Tuesday, reaching 38 points.

Venezuela is still in seventh place and 18 points clear of its first World Cup opponent. They are still in contention to make the intercontinental playoffs.

Lionel Messi of Argentina shoots to score the team's first goal during the South American FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Argentina and Venezuela
Argentina’s Lionel Messi scores the team’s first goal in the South American FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying match against Venezuela [Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images]

Source: Aljazeera

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