In a night filled with raw emotion, Lionel Messi delivered a masterful performance in what is expected to be his final World Cup qualifier on home soil. The Argentine captain scored two goals to lead his team to a decisive 3-0 victory over Venezuela at a packed Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
The match was more than just a qualifier; it was a poignant farewell to an era. The 38-year-old legend arrived at the stadium with his family and was visibly moved, breaking into tears as the home crowd roared its unwavering support with emotional chants. Amid the powerful send-off, Messi also broke the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers scoring record with his brace.
The victory officially secures Argentina’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup, providing a perfect ending to Messi’s illustrious journey representing his country in Argentina.
