Messi Shines in Emotional Win as Argentina Beats Venezuela 3-0

Lionel Messi delivered a performance that could have been his farewell match in Argentina, scoring two goals to give his team a 3-0 victory over Venezuela in their FIFA World Cup 2026 CONMEBOL Qualifier at the Estadio Monumental.

The fans cheered him on with Messi, Messi chants and it was an experience they will never forget as they celebrated their Messi.

Argentina, who will take part in the 2026 World Cup already, dominated the game right at the beginning, possessing 77 percent of the ball during the first half. During the 39th minute, Julian Alvarez beat two defenders and played to Messi who composedly chipped the ball over the Venezuela goalkeeper Rafael Romo to score 1-0. There was a burst of happiness in the stadium, and the affection of the fans towards Messi was in the air.

Key Highlights

Messi scores twice as Argentina defeats Venezuela 3-0 in World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Argentina tops CONMEBOL standings after emotional Messi-inspired victory

Lionel Messi shines in possible farewell home game, reaches 114 international goals

Argentina continued to push after the stop. Messi delivered a pinpoint free kick to Nico Gonzalez in the 76th minute, and he crossed it to substitute Lautaro Martinez, who made the second goal by heading. Four minutes after, Messi scored again, completing a flawless pass by Thiago Almada to shoot in easily with his left foot to make it 3-0. He had almost scored a hat-trick in the 89th minute, however, the goal was disallowed due to offside.

Venezuela, currently seventh in the CONMEBOL standings with 18 points, couldn’t find a way through. Their only real chance was a shot that flew over the bar. With just one game left against Colombia, their hopes of finishing in the top six for a direct World Cup spot are slim.

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Argentina, leading the table with 38 points, showed their strength, giving young players like Franco Mastantuono and Claudio Echeverri a chance to shine. As Messi, now with 114 goals for his country, prepares for his last qualifier against Ecuador, fans left the Monumental cherishing what could be their final memory of their captain playing at home.