When Lionel Messi, captain of the Argentina national football team, stepped onto the pitch at Estadio Monumental on , the air felt electric. It wasn’t just another CONMEBOL fixture; it was Messi’s confirmed final home World Cup qualifier, a moment that could close the chapter on a career that’s defined a generation. The match ended 3–0 against Venezuela, keeping Argentina perched atop the qualifying table and cementing a legacy that will echo through the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
The Match: Messi’s Farewell on Home Soil
From the opening whistle, the crowd at the Monumental roared—more like a chorus than a stadium sound. Messi found the net in the 39th minute, a low‑driven finish that slipped past the Venezuelan keeper, and he added a second strike in the 80th. Between those moments, Lautaro Martínez, the prolific striker from Inter Miami, latched onto a cross to make it 3–0. The goals not only sealed the victory but also pushed Messi’s tally to 36 World Cup qualifying goals, an all‑time South American record.
What the Win Means for Argentina’s Qualification
Argentina entered the game with 35 points, already guaranteed a spot at the 2026 World Cup. The 3‑0 win raised their total to 38, widening the gap over rivals Brazil and Ecuador. In the CONMEBOL standings, Argentina now enjoys a comfortable cushion, allowing the coaching staff to experiment with younger talent without risking the qualification slip‑up that haunted them in past cycles.
Messi’s Record‑Breaking Journey
Beyond the night’s goals, Messi’s statistical résumé reads like a hall of fame catalog. He’s the all‑time leading scorer in South American qualifiers, ahead of Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez (29) and Bolivia’s Marcelo Moreno (22). Globally, he holds the record for most career goals (over 880), most assists (over 390), and most combined goal contributions (1,270). The 2025 qualifier added two more entries to a list that already includes eight Ballon d’Or trophies, six European Golden Shoes, and the International Federation of Football History & Statistics’ 2025 accolade as the All‑Time Men’s World Best Player.
Reactions from Coach and Fans
Head coach Lionel Scaloni could barely hold back tears during the pre‑match press conference on September 3. He said, "Leo deserved a special reception, and today we gave him one. It’s emotional, it’s special—our last home qualifier." Scaloni, who guided Argentina to the 2022 World Cup triumph, admitted he hopes Messi might get another chance to say goodbye before the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Fans, many clutching homemade banners, responded with chants that stretched across the stadium’s four corners. One supporter, a lifelong fan from Rosario, told reporters, "Seeing Leo score here, in Buenos Aires, feels like a dream I never want to wake up from." Social media lit up with #MessiFinalHome, a trending tag that amassed over 2 million mentions within hours.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 World Cup and Messi’s Legacy
While the qualifier was Messi’s last on Argentine soil, he hasn’t ruled out a final bow at the 2026 World Cup. He’s 39 then, but age has rarely slowed him down. Analysts point to his fitness regimen and the reduced minutes he’s been logging at Inter Miami as signs that a tournament appearance is plausible. If he does play, Argentina will be defending champions aiming for a historic back‑to‑back title—a feat achieved only by Brazil (1958‑62) and Italy (1934‑38).
The broader impact stretches beyond the pitch. Merchandise sales for the Argentina jersey spiked by 27 % after the qualifier, and tourism boards in Buenos Aires reported a surge in bookings, hoping to catch the tail end of the "Messi wave" before it fades. Even rival clubs are feeling the ripple; European giants are scouting Messi’s Inter Miami teammates, anticipating a post‑World Cup market shift.
Key Facts
- Match date:
- Venue: Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires
- Result: Argentina 3 – 0 Venezuela
- Messi’s goals: 2 (39’, 80’)
- Argentina points after match: 38 (qualified for 2026 World Cup)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Messi’s retirement affect Argentina’s attacking options?
Messi’s eventual exit will push Lionel Scaloni to rely more on Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez, who have already shown consistency at club level. The team’s recent tactical shift to a double‑9 formation suggests a smoother transition, but the psychological lift Messi provides will be missed in crucial moments.
What were the stakes of the Argentina‑Venezuela qualifier?
Beyond the 3‑0 win, the match served as a ceremonial goodbye for Messi on home ground. It also reinforced Argentina’s top‑spot, ensuring they could experiment with squad depth ahead of the 2026 World Cup without jeopardising qualification.
Who are Argentina’s main rivals for the 2026 World Cup title?
Brazil and France are the obvious contenders, having performed strongly in recent tournaments. Germany and England also possess deep squads, making the knockout stages highly competitive.
What does Messi’s record say about his place in football history?
Holding the all‑time South American qualifier scoring record (36 goals) and topping global career statistics underlines Messi’s unparalleled consistency. Combined with eight Ballon d’Ors and a World Cup win, he cements his status among the sport’s all‑time greats.
Will Messi play in the 2026 World Cup?
Messi has hinted he aims to retire after the 2026 tournament, but he has not set a firm date. Most experts believe he will feature, given his fitness levels and the historic chance to lead Argentina to consecutive titles.