Buenos Aires, Sep 05 (V7N) – History was made at the Monumental Stadium as Lionel Messi played his final competitive match on home soil in the Argentine jersey, leading Argentina to a 3–0 victory over Venezuela in the World Cup qualifiers.

The night carried an emotional weight, with Messi calling it a “special” occasion. His wife, children, and family members were present in the gallery, alongside more than 80,000 fans, who turned the venue into a sea of love and tribute for their football icon.

Messi did not disappoint. Just before halftime, he scored a trademark chip from a Julián Álvarez pass, electrifying the stadium. In the second half, he provided the quick free-kick that set up Lautaro Martínez’s strike in the 76th minute, before adding his second goal just four minutes later with a simple tap-in from Thiago Almada’s assist.

The brace took Messi’s tally to seven goals in the current qualifiers, making him the tournament’s top scorer, and extended his overall World Cup qualifying record to 35 goals. With the double, he also reached 114 international goals, 100 of them scored with his left foot.

Messi nearly completed a hat-trick late in the match, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Regardless, the Albiceleste ensured his farewell was memorable with a convincing 3–0 win.

For fans, the moment was deeply symbolic. Messi’s first home match for Argentina came 20 years ago at the very same Monumental Stadium, also in a World Cup qualifier. Two decades later, his farewell performance on that pitch left countless supporters in tears.

“Leo Messi is by my side, we will walk the whole way together,” fans sang throughout the night, paying tribute to the legend who has defined Argentine football for a generation.

Argentina will conclude its qualifying campaign with an away fixture against Ecuador on September 9. But Messi’s monumental night in Buenos Aires will live forever in football history.

END/SMA/AJ