It was a night draped in emotion, history, and perhaps a hint of finality at Buenos Aires’ storied Estadio Monumental. On September 4, 2025, Lionel Messi—Argentina’s beloved No. 10 and global football icon—delivered a performance that will linger in the memories of fans for years to come. As Argentina cruised to a 3-0 victory over Venezuela in a World Cup qualifier, the match became more than just another step toward the 2026 tournament; it was a poignant farewell, a celebration of Messi’s remarkable journey with his national team on home soil.
The stakes on the field were clear but, for the Albiceleste, already secured. Argentina, reigning world champions and top of the South American qualifying standings with 38 points, had punched their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup months ago. Venezuela, meanwhile, arrived in Buenos Aires desperate for points to keep their playoff hopes alive, sitting in seventh place with 18 points and everything to play for in the final round. But the night belonged to Messi, and everyone in the stadium knew it.
From the first whistle, the atmosphere was electric. Messi’s teammates, a dynamic blend of youth and experience, seemed determined to set up their captain for a storybook sendoff. Julián Alvarez, who famously idolized Messi as a boy and once asked him for a selfie at age 12, turned provider in the 39th minute. Dancing through the Venezuelan defense, Alvarez squared the ball to Messi, who scooped a deft chip over goalkeeper Rafael Romo and two scrambling defenders—a finish that drew cheers and tears in equal measure. “Being able to finish this way here is what I’ve always dreamed of,” Messi said after the match, his voice tinged with nostalgia. “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 match unfolded with a testimonial air, as if the entire country had gathered not just to watch football, but to pay tribute to a national treasure. Messi, making his 72nd appearance in a CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier—tying the all-time record—was visibly moved during the pre-match warm-ups. His three sons joined him for the national anthem, and the crowd serenaded him throughout the night with rhythmic chants and bows. The affection was unmistakable, a far cry from the early years when his commitment to the national team was sometimes questioned by local fans. “For many years I had the love in Barcelona, and I still have it,” Messi reflected. “My dream was to have it here, in my country, with my people. For several years, many things were discussed, but I’ll take with me all the good things we did with the group that tried and failed to win. Then it happened to me and a few others from that group. Everything we experienced was beautiful.”
Argentina’s dominance was never in doubt, but Venezuela fought gamely, knowing a result could keep their World Cup dreams alive. In the 76th minute, Lautaro Martínez doubled Argentina’s lead, capitalizing on Venezuela’s stretched backline. Just four minutes later, Messi capped the night with his second goal—a simple tap-in after a slick setup from Thiago Almada. The brace brought Messi’s tally in South American World Cup qualifiers to 36, extending his record as the all-time leading scorer in the competition. His international career goal count now stands at a staggering 114.
Manager Lionel Scaloni, who guided Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 and has overseen the team’s evolution into a youthful, dynamic force, acknowledged the emotional weight of the occasion. “It was special and emotional for Argentines,” Scaloni said, confirming after the match that Messi would not travel to Ecuador for the final qualifier due to fatigue. Instead, Messi will rest and prepare for the next phase of his club season with Inter Miami CF, where he continues to dazzle in Major League Soccer.
As the final whistle blew, Messi lingered on the pitch, soaking in the adoration of the sellout crowd. The chants were deafening, the banners endless, and the gratitude unmistakable. For a player who left Argentina as a teenager to chase his dreams in Barcelona, the full-circle moment was not lost on anyone. The journey from being a prodigy abroad to a national hero at home was complete. “There were a lot of emotions,” Messi admitted. “I knew it was the last time here for the points. I experienced a lot of things on this pitch, good and not so good, but I’ll take the best with me. I’m very happy.”
Yet, for all the sentiment, questions about Messi’s future with the national team linger. The 38-year-old has not committed to playing in the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. “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,” Messi told reporters. “We [Inter Miami] finish our season at the end of the year, then I’ll have another preseason. There will be six months left. And we’ll see how it goes and how I’m feeling. Hopefully I’ll have a good preseason and finish the MLS season well.”
Argentina’s next and final qualifier will be away to Ecuador on Tuesday, September 9, but Messi will not feature. Venezuela, meanwhile, faces Colombia at home, still dreaming of a first-ever World Cup appearance. With Bolivia just a point behind and facing Brazil, the race for the playoff spot remains wide open.
As for Messi, the door to another World Cup remains slightly ajar. “When I feel good, I enjoy it, but when I don’t, honestly, I don’t have a good time, so I prefer not to be there if I don’t feel good. So we’ll see. I haven’t made a decision about the World Cup.” The world will wait, but on this unforgettable night in Buenos Aires, the only certainty was that Lionel Messi’s legacy with Argentina is secure—and his legend, eternal.
