Messi scores twice when Argentina Venezuela beats 3-0 in his last World Cup qualification match

Lionel Messi scored twice when Argentina beat Venezuela 3-0 on Thursday in the eight-time balloon d’Or Winner’s Final Home World Cup qualification match.

Messi has not given an indication when he is planning to retire, but the 38-year-old has said that the match to Venezuela will be his last world cup qualification on a home floor.

The reigning world cup champion, which has already qualified for next year’s next year’s tournament, checked the procedure of the opening whistle, creating opportunities by Nicolas Tagliafico and Franco Mastantuono to be thwarted by Venezuela Rafael.

Highlights | Arg 3-0 ven

Messi broke the impasse in the 39th minute, the Argentinian captain who held a pass from Julian Alvarez on a quick counterattack and shot home in the right corner of Romo’s Net.

Argentina maintained his ruthless pressure in the second half, with Messi remaining the focal point of his attack, but the host had to wait until the 76th minute for a second goal, Nico Gonzalez supplied from the left for Lautaro Martinez to score with a dive head.

Four minutes later, Messi concluded an excellent performance with a third goal, assisted by Thiago Almada.

The Albiceleste at the top of the South -American qualifying table for the World Cup 2026 in Noord -America with 38 points and visit Ecuador on Tuesday in their last group match.

Venezuela will try to keep his qualifying hope alive when it houses Colombia.

Published on 05 September 2025