Lionel Messi scored twice in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Venezuela on Thursday, marking an emotional farewell in what he confirmed as his final World Cup qualifier on home soil.
The 38-year-old captain, who has not yet announced when he plans to retire, said after the match that ending this chapter in front of home fans was a dream come true. Argentina, already qualified for the 2026 World Cup in North America, dominated the contest, with Messi breaking the deadlock in the 39th minute from a Julian Alvarez assist.
The Albiceleste doubled their lead in the 76th minute through Lautaro Martinez, who connected with Nico Gonzalez’s cross for a diving header. Messi struck again just four minutes later, slotting home from a Thiago Almada pass.
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“Being able to finish this way here with my people is what I always dreamed of,” said Messi, who extended his record tally in South American qualifiers to 36 goals.
Argentina remain top of the qualifying table with 38 points and will face Ecuador in their final group match on Tuesday.
Elsewhere, Brazil beat Chile 3-0 at the Maracana, Uruguay defeated Peru 3-0, and Colombia sealed qualification with a win over Bolivia.