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3d ago

Messi Scores Twice in Final Home World Cup Qualifier as Argentina Beat Venezuela 3-0

Messi will skip the Ecuador finale to rest, with his 2026 World Cup plans still undecided.

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Lionel Messi of Argentina looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 South American Qualifier match between Argentina and Colombia at Estadio Más Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on June 10, 2025 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Overview

  • Argentina won 3-0 in Buenos Aires, with Messi scoring in the 39th and 80th minutes and Lautaro Martínez adding a header.
  • A sellout crowd of about 80,000 saw Messi walk out with his children and wipe away tears during pregame tributes at the Monumental.
  • The captain reiterated "we'll see" on participating in 2026, saying he will decide day by day based on how he feels.
  • Coach Lionel Scaloni said Messi deserves a rest, and the captain will not play the final qualifier away to Ecuador.
  • Already through to 2026, Argentina remain top of CONMEBOL with 38 points as Messi extended his South American qualifying scoring record to 36.