In his final World Cup qualifier on home soil, Lionel Messi delivered a spectacular performance, scoring twice as Argentina defeated Venezuela 3-0 on Thursday. The match also saw Paraguay and Colombia secure their spots at the 2026 tournament in North America.
While the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has not indicated when he plans to retire, the 38-year-old had previously stated that the game against Venezuela would be his last World Cup qualifier played at home.
The reigning World Cup champions, who had already qualified for the tournament to be held in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., dominated the game from the outset. They created early chances through Nicolas Tagliafico and Franco Mastantuono, but were denied by Venezuela's goalkeeper, Rafael Romo.
In the 39th minute, Messi broke the tie. The Argentine captain took advantage of a quick counterattack by grabbing Julian Alvarez's pass and shooting into Romo's net's top-right corner.
Messi continued to be the focal point of Argentina's attack as they applied constant pressure in the second half. The hosts had to wait until the 76th minute for their second goal, when Nico Gonzalez delivered a cross from the left that Lautaro Martinez converted with a diving header. Four minutes later, Messi capped off his excellent performance with a third goal, assisted by Thiago Almada.
An emotional Messi spoke after the match, saying, "Being able to finish this way here with my people is what I always dreamed of." He added, "For many years I had the affection of Barcelona fans and my dream was to have it here in my country too."
When asked about his potential retirement, Messi, who holds the record for most goals in South American qualifying with 36, said, "It’s not something I like, want or expect. But time is passing, and it’s been many years."
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The Albiceleste currently top the South American qualifying table for the 2026 World Cup with 38 points. They will travel to Ecuador for their final group match on Tuesday. Venezuela, who are seventh in the standings with 18 points, will host Colombia as they try to secure a spot in the intercontinental playoff. Bolivia is just one point behind them.
In other matches played on Thursday, Brazil climbed to second place with 28 points after a 3-0 victory over Chile at the Maracana stadium. Estevao scored the opening goal, while Lucas Paqueta and Bruno Guimaraes added two more for Carlo Ancelotti's team.
Uruguay moved into third place with 27 points after a 3-0 win against Peru, thanks to goals from Rodrigo Aguirre, Giorgian de Arrascaeta, and Federico Vinas. Ecuador dropped to fourth with 26 points after a goalless draw against Paraguay, a result that secured Paraguay's first World Cup appearance in 16 years.
Colombia also sealed their qualification with a 3-0 victory over Bolivia. James Rodriguez, Jhon Cordoba, and Juan Fernando Quintero were the goal-scorers for "Los Cafeteros," who are now fifth in the standings with 25 points.
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