Messi signs off with brace in final World Cup qualifier on home soil
Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi celebrates with teammate forward #09 Julian Alvarez after scoring his team's first goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Argentina and Venezuela at the Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on September 4, 2025. Photo: AFP
Lionel Messi marked his final World Cup qualifier on home soil in fitting style, scoring twice as Argentina cruised past Venezuela 3-0 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Thursday (Friday, Bangladesh time).
Messi scores first goal. Photo: Reuters
The 38-year-old captain struck in the first half, 39th minute, to open the scoring before Lautaro Martínez doubled the lead in the 76th minute. Messi then sealed the night with his second four minutes later, sparking emotional celebrations in front of a packed home crowd that included his family.
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Argentina, already assured of top spot in South American qualifying, now move to 38 points, while Venezuela's hopes of reaching a maiden World Cup suffered a heavy blow.
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