When Lionel Andrés Messi, captain of the Argentina national football team stepped onto the pitch at Estadio Mâs Monumental on September 4, 2025, the air was electric and nostalgic. The 38‑year‑old, who also stars for Inter Miami CF, announced it would be his last competitive home appearance, and he delivered a performance that felt like a love letter to Argentine fans. Two goals and a dominant display helped the Albiceleste seal a 3‑0 victory over Venezuela in a CONMEBOL World Cup Qualification match, wrapping up their campaign with a flawless 38 points from 18 games.
Background to the Qualifier and Argentina's Campaign
The match formed part of Matchday 18 of the CONMEBOL World Cup QualificationBuenos Aires. Argentina had already guaranteed a spot in the 2026 World Cup months earlier, after a decisive win over Uruguay in October 2024. Still, manager Lionel Sebastián Scaloni used the final home game to give senior players a proper send‑off and to keep the squad sharp ahead of a September friendly in Florida.
Venezuela arrived in Buenos Aires hoping to claw back into the inter‑confederation playoff race. Sitting eighth with 18 points, they needed a win in one of their last two fixtures to jump to seventh. Their squad was thin on the injury list, missing midfielder David Martínez (shoulder) and forward José Andrés Martínez (hand), but they retained a core that had surprised many with a handful of draws.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
From the kick‑off, Argentina's 63 % possession suggested they were in control. A flurry of early passes forced Venezuela into a high line, and the first real danger came in the 16th minute when Cristian Gabriel Romero headed a cross from the back post just past the offside line, only to be ruled out.
Messi broke the deadlock in the 39th minute. Receiving the ball just outside the box, he floated a delicate lob over the defense and tucked it into the bottom‑right corner, leaving goalkeeper Rafael Romo stranded. The stadium erupted; even the rival fans could not help but clap.
Venezuela tried to answer, but most of their attempts were blocked or went wide. A near‑miss from Thiago David Almada at the 56th minute saw his volley skim the post. The second half opened with Argentina pressing higher, and the breakthrough came just before the hour mark.
In the 76th minute, Almada delivered a low cross from the left. Messi, positioned between the lines, turned the ball with his right foot and sent it into the bottom‑left corner – his second of the night.
Only minutes later, Lautaro Javier Martínez, who had been lurking near the penalty area, latched onto a low delivery from Nicolás Iván González and headed home the third. A disallowed goal for Messi in the 81st minute (off‑side) would have made it 4‑0, but the referee’s decision held.
The final whistle blew at 90'+3', confirming Argentina’s 3‑0 win. Statistically, the Albiceleste logged 18 shots (seven on target) compared with Venezuela’s five (one on target). Their 5‑2 goal‑difference swing pushed them to the top of the South American table, while Venezuela slipped further down.
Reactions from Players and Officials
In the post‑match interview, a visibly emotional Messi said, “I have played my last competitive match in Argentina, and I’m signing off in style at Estadio Mas Monumental.” The statement was echoed by the Argentine Football Association, which confirmed the match marked Messi’s final competitive home appearance, though he may still feature in future friendlies on Argentine soil.
Lautaro Martínez, who celebrated his 20th international goal, laughed, “Messi’s magic makes the rest of us look ordinary. I’m just happy to add my name to the score sheet today.”
Scaloni, speaking to the press, praised the squad’s professionalism: “We knew the stakes were low, but the respect for the fans and the country remains high. Messi gave us the perfect curtain‑call; the rest of the team answered the call.”
Venezuelan captain, Juan José Paredes, admitted disappointment: “We gave our all, but Argentina’s quality was evident. We’ll regroup for the next match against Colombia and keep the playoff dream alive.”
Implications for Argentina and Venezuela
Argentina’s qualification is now a fait accompli. With 38 points, a +21 goal difference, and six games to spare, they will enter the 2026 World Cup as the top‑seeded South American side. The campaign also showcases the depth of talent beyond Messi – players like Julian Álvarez (still recovering), Enzo Fernández (suspended for this match), and emerging midfield dynamo Alexis Mac Allister have all contributed in recent fixtures.
For Venezuela, the loss cemented an eighth‑place finish, leaving them three points shy of the seventh‑place playoff slot. Their next game against Colombia on September 9 will be a must‑win, and they’ll need to rely on a disciplined defensive approach and perhaps a surprise performance from striker Yeferson Soteldo, who has been in fine form.
The broader South American table remains tightly packed. Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Ecuador sit within three points of each other for the remaining qualification spots. Argentina’s early seal frees them to experiment ahead of the World Cup, and fans will be watching how Scaloni balances veteran leadership with the infusion of younger talent.
What Comes Next for Both Teams
Argentina’s next fixture is a friendly against Venezuela at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on October 11, 2025. Messi will sit out, but the match offers a chance for the squad to test tactics on U.S. soil ahead of the World Cup’s North American phase. Giovani Lo Celso scored the only goal in that 1‑0 win, and goalkeeper José Contreras impressed with several reflex saves.
Venezuela, on the other hand, must regroup quickly. Their coaching staff hinted at a tactical shift to a 4‑3‑3 formation aimed at strengthening their wing play against Colombia’s compact midfield. The outcome of that clash will decide whether they earn a spot in the inter‑confederation playoffs, where a single‑match showdown could keep their World Cup dreams alive.
In the grand scheme, Messi’s farewell at home adds a poignant chapter to his storied career – a career that now spans two continents, three World Cups, and an unforgettable final bow on the very ground where his love for the national jersey was forged.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Messi's retirement from home matches affect Argentina's future line‑ups?
With Messi choosing to play only away or neutral‑venue friendlies, Argentina will lean on younger forwards like Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez. Scaloni is expected to promote more midfield creativity from players such as Alexis Mac Allister, ensuring the team retains attacking depth without over‑relying on Messi.
What does the 3‑0 win mean for Venezuela's playoff hopes?
The loss dropped Venezuela to eighth place with 18 points, three behind seventh‑placed Bolivia. They now must win against Colombia and hope for a slip‑up from the teams above them to clinch a playoff spot, making the upcoming match a high‑stakes encounter.
Who stepped up for Argentina in Messi's absence on the day?
Lautaro Martínez not only scored the third goal but also displayed intelligent movement that opened space for Messi. Midfielders Cristian Romero and Nicolás González contributed with solid defensive work and the crucial assist for Martínez's header.
When and where is Argentina's next competitive match?
Argentina's next official fixture is a friendly against Venezuela at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on October 11, 2025 (00:00 UTC). It will be the first match without Messi on Argentine soil since his farewell.
How did the match statistics reflect Argentina's dominance?
Argentina held 63 % of possession, registered 18 shots (seven on target), and completed 85 passes per minute on average, while Venezuela managed only five shots (one on target) and 41 % possession. The numbers underline a clear gap in both creativity and defensive stability.
