A teary-eyed, emotional Lionel Messi led Argentina to a 3-1 win over Venezuela in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers match on Friday in what could potentially be his last for the La Albiceleste at home. Although the 38-year-old has not indicated as to when he plans to retire, but the Argentina forward and captain has said the match against Venezuela will be his last World Cup qualifier on home soil.
Messi also confirmed that he will miss the next FIFA World Cup Qualifiers game against Ecuador on September 10. “I spoke with Leo (Scaloni) and we decided, or rather he decided, that I should rest. I’m coming back from an injury and although I’m fine now, we prefer to avoid travelling and playing another game, so I can rest up for what’s coming next,” said Messi after the win against Venezuela.
Watch: Emotional Messi after the game vs Venezuela
Leo Messi emocionado y todavía no arrancó el partido 😢🔟
🇦🇷 ARGENTINA – VENEZUELA 🇻🇪#ArgentinaXTelefe en https://t.co/S24R6EWDr8 con @giraltpablo, @jpvarsky y @sofimmartinez pic.twitter.com/RbQnVSlvFg
— telefe (@telefe) September 4, 2025
Argentina topped the South American qualifying table for the 2026 quadrennial showpiece with 38 points and visit Ecuador on Tuesday in their final group match. The reigning World Cup champions controlled proceedings from the opening whistle, creating chances through Nicolas Tagliafico and Franco Mastantuono only to be thwarted by Venezuela goalkeeper Rafael Romo.
Messi scored twice in front of a raucous sellout crowd that had gathered at Estadio Monumental to bid him farewell.
“Being able to finish this way here is what I’ve always dreamed of,” Messi said. “I’ve experienced a lot of things on this pitch, both good and not so good, but it’s always a joy to play in Argentina, in front of our fans.”
Watch: Messi’s goal vs Venezuela
#SelecciónMayor AURA 💫 GOAT pic.twitter.com/ZHBUUGYPUh
— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) September 5, 2025
The Argentina captain scored in the 39th and 80th minutes, and Lautaro Martinez added a goal in the 76th.
Messi now has 36 goals in South American World Cup qualifiers and remains the all-time scoring leader. His Inter Miami teammate, Luis Suarez, has 29 goals in continental qualifying, but he has retired from Uruguay’s national team. Bolivia’s Marcelo Moreno Martins is third with 22.
Looking ahead, Messi clarified he will only compete in next year’s World Cup if he feels physically fit. “I’m excited, eager. It’s day by day, feeling the sensations. If I feel good, I enjoy it; if not, I’d rather not be there,” he said, adding that the nine months until the tournament kicks off “is a long time”.
