Lionel Messi rolled back the years with a stunning brace in what may be his final competitive home match, as Argentina cruised to a 3–0 victory over Venezuela in Thursday’s World Cup qualifier at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Afrosport reports.
The 38-year-old Inter Miami forward opened the scoring in the 39th minute, latching onto a pass from Julian Alvarez before adding his second—a simple tap-in—in the 80th minute. In between, Lautaro Martinez had doubled Argentina’s lead with a diving header in the 76th.
Visibly emotional after the final whistle, Messi reflected on the occasion and expressed uncertainty about his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
“There are so many emotions, I’ve experienced so many things on this field. It’s always a joy to play in Argentina with our people,” he said. “We’ve been enjoying match after match for many years. I’m very happy; being able to finish in this way here is what I always dreamed of.
“For many years, I have had the affection of Barcelona, and my dream was to have it here, too, in my country with my people. For many years, a lot of things were said, but well, I’ll stay with all the good. All the good with the group that tried it couldn’t get it and concentrate. Then, I was given it and some of the players in the roster and the past one. Everything we lived was beautiful. Today was the last one for points here.”
Despite expressing a desire to continue, Messi admitted that age could play a role in whether he appears at his sixth World Cup, stating that he will assess his physical condition over the coming months.
The Argentina’s all-time top scorer and most-capped player added: “Same as I said before about the World Cup that I don’t think I’ll play another. Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won’t make it. But well, we’re almost there, so I’m excited and motivated to play it. Like I always say, I go day by day, going by how I feel.
“I’m trying to feel good and, above all, being honest with myself. 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.
Messi made his World Cup debut in 2006, but it was during the 2010 edition that he began to make a significant impact, despite Argentina’s eventual quarter-final exit at the hands of Germany.
His most influential tournament came in 2014, where he led Albiceleste to the final in Brazil. Once again, it was Germany who denied him glory, defeating Argentina in extra time. In 2018, Messi endured a subdued campaign, but redemption came in spectacular fashion in 2022, when he inspired Argentina to their first World Cup triumph in 36 years, lifting the trophy in Qatar.
Argentina have already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup and currently sit comfortably atop the CONMEBOL standings with 38 points—10 clear of second-placed Brazil. They are scheduled to face Ecuador on Tuesday; however, Messi has confirmed he will not take part.
“I spoke with [Argentina head coach Lionel] Scaloni, and he decided that I should rest, not travel to Ecuador because I’m recovering from a [hamstring] injury,” Messi said.
“We prefer to avoid the trip and prepare for what’s coming up well-rested. We’re preparing to win the MLS, and that’s a goal. We have a friendly in October, and we’ll meet again.”
