In a night filled with emotion and nostalgia, Lionel Messi graced the Estadio Monumental one last time as he played his final home qualifier for Argentina’s national team, leaving the pitch to thunderous applause after a stellar performance against Venezuela. The match on Thursday saw Messi score twice, leading Argentina to a convincing 3-0 victory, as the crowd of jubilant fans celebrated not just the win but also the incredible legacy of one of football’s greatest talents.
Messi, the former Barcelona forward and a national icon, opened the scoring in the 39th minute before finding the back of the net again in the 80th minute, solidifying his status as the all-time leading scorer in South American World Cup qualifiers, now boasting an impressive 36 goals in the competition. Lautaro Martinez also contributed with a goal in the 76th minute, rounding off a dominant performance from the reigning World Cup champions, who have now amassed 38 points in the qualifying rounds, ensuring their position at the top of the South American standings.
“Being able to finish this way here is what I’ve always dreamed of,” declared Messi, visibly touched by the love and admiration from the supporters. “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.” The atmosphere in the stadium was electrifying, with banners and cheers dedicated to the footballing legend, marking a poignant chapter in his illustrious career.
Despite this farewell, Messi has remained coy about his future in professional football. The qualifiers for the 2030 World Cup are set to commence in 2027, when he will be 40 years old. When asked about his participation in the upcoming World Cup, Messi stated, “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.” With nine months until the tournament kicks off, the journey ahead remains uncertain, but the drive within the captain shows no signs of waning.
As Argentina continues on its path towards defending its World Cup title, Venezuela, still yearning for its first-ever World Cup qualification, now sits in seventh place with 18 points, holding out hope for a potential intercontinental playoff. The match was not only a testament to Argentina’s prowess in football but also a celebration of Messi’s unparalleled contribution to the sport, marking a bittersweet farewell that resonates deeply with millions of fans worldwide.