Overview

• Argentina beat Venezuela 3–0 at the Estadio Monumental before roughly 85,000 fans, with Messi scoring in the 39th and 80th minutes after Lautaro Martínez made it 2–0.
• Messi was visibly emotional during the anthem, embracing his three sons on the touchline before delivering a brace.
• Post-match, Messi said it was his last time playing in Argentina for qualifying points and confirmed he will rest for Tuesday’s trip to Ecuador.
• Coach Lionel Scaloni said that if Messi wants another home appearance, the staff will arrange a farewell match.
• Argentina had already secured its 2026 World Cup berth and leads the CONMEBOL table heading into the final qualifier.