Messi Scores Twice in Emotional Farewell in Argentina

Lionel Messi celebrates with his Argentina teammate after the match against Venezuela. The Argentina captain scored twice to help his team secure a comfortable 3-0 victory in the 2026 World Cup qualifier. Photo: X

Lionel Messi held back tears during the warm-up and stood alongside his three sons for the Argentine national anthem, as he prepared for what could be his final World Cup qualifying match on home ground.

The night almost ended with a hat trick. Messi scored in the 39th and 80th minutes to inspire the reigning world champions to a 3-0 victory over Venezuela at Mas Monumental Stadium on Thursday, 4 September. Lautaro Martínez added the second goal in the 76th minute, set up by Messi, as Argentina continued their unbeaten run having already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Lionel Messi with his three sons before Argentina’s match against Venezuela. It was Messi’s final home qualifying match for the national team, which ended in a 3-0 victory. Photo: X

An Emotional Farewell

Speaking after the match, the 38-year-old admitted he is unsure whether he will feature in the next World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

«I do not want it to end, but I know the moment is approaching. It will happen when it has to, and until then I will take it step by step, living day by day,» said Messi. «It was a very beautiful and special day for me.»

With no further competitive matches scheduled in Argentina before the tournament, Messi approached the evening as though it might be his last appearance in front of his most passionate supporters.

Messi, Thiago, Mateo y Ciro buscaron a Anto en la tribuna para saludarla 💙 👋 pic.twitter.com/4BfzRZwwMe
— TyC Sports (@TyCSports) September 4, 2025

Messi’s Influence on the Pitch

During the game his teammates consistently looked for their captain. Julián Álvarez, who had a chance to score before half-time, instead laid the ball off for Messi to chip over the Venezuelan defence. Messi was also instrumental in Martínez’s goal, launching the attack with a free-kick to Nicolás González. He then sealed the result with a neat left-foot finish after Thiago Almada’s pass.

Messi nearly secured a hat trick in the 89th minute but was ruled offside before his strike crossed the line. The game marked his first international goals in nearly a year, the last coming in October 2024 when he produced a hat trick and two assists in a 6-0 win over Bolivia. This was also his 72nd World Cup qualifier — a record number in South American football.

Future Still Open

Although Messi treated the fixture as a farewell, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni suggested the door will remain open for another home appearance.

«It was a beautiful and emotional game, but surely it will not be his last in Argentina. If he decides it is, we will make sure he has another one,» Scaloni said before kick-off. «We will find the right moment, because he deserves it.»