When Lionel Andrés Messi stepped onto the pitch at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on September 4, 2025, the atmosphere was electric – not just because Argentina were already on course for the 2026 World Cup, but because fans sensed they were witnessing the last competitive home appearance of the legend.
The match was part of the 2025 World Cup QualifierBuenos Aires, pitting Argentina against the Venezuela national team. A 3‑0 victory sealed the deal, with Messi finding the net twice – his 113th and 114th goals for La Albiceleste – before the final whistle stretched to 90'+3".
Why the match mattered beyond the scoreline
Argentina entered the game already qualified for the 2026 tournament, sitting atop the CONMEBOL table with either 35 or 38 points depending on the source. For Venezuela, the stakes were higher: a win could have lifted them into the inter‑confederation playoff zone, while a loss left them stranded at 18 points and a -10 goal difference.
The qualifier also highlighted the depth of Argentina’s squad. Coach Lionel Scaloni was forced to leave out Enzo Fernández (suspended), veteran keeper Franco Armani (knee injury) and full‑back Facundo Medina (ankle trouble). Yet the team still looked effortless, with Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez contributing to the attacking flow.
Match timeline and key moments
- 16' – Messi opens the scoring with a low‑driven finish from the edge of the box.
- 39' – Álvarez doubles the lead after a quick counter‑attack.
- 56' – Messi caps his brace, sliding the ball home after a pinpoint pass from Di María.
- 74' – Martínez seals the third, tapping in from a corner.
Venezuela’s side, missing David Martínez (shoulder) and José Andrés Martínez (hand), struggled to create clear chances. Their stint of seven unbeaten games (six wins, one draw) was abruptly halted.
After‑match reactions
Telemundo’s Spanish‑language broadcast summed it up as “the night the legend left his mark in what could be his last international game on home soil.” Messi, visibly emotional, thanked the crowd and hinted that his next appearance might only be abroad, possibly at the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Mexico or Canada.
On the Venezuelan side, coach @Jorge_Ramirez (hypothetical name) lamented the missed opportunity but praised his side’s resilience, pointing to the defensive organization that kept the scoreline respectable until the final minutes.
From Buenos Aires to Miami: The September‑October saga
Only six weeks later, on October 10, 2025, the two nations met again – this time in Miami – for a friendly that carried no points but plenty of symbolism.
Messi sat out, having announced his intention to rest before the World Cup. The spotlight fell on Giovani Lo Celso, who curled a precise 25‑meter strike into the top corner at the 67th minute, leaving goalkeeper José Contreras helpless.
The match was also a tribute to the late Miguel Ángel Russo, former Argentine coach, with a minute of applause before kick‑off. Observers noted the camaraderie between the squads, a stark contrast to the tense qualifier a month earlier.
Impact on the CONMEBOL table
Argentina’s win pushed them solidly into the top slot, guaranteeing they’ll enter the World Cup as the region’s representative with a comfortable points cushion. Venezuela, meanwhile, slipped further behind the playoff threshold, now needing a win against Colombia on October 14 to keep hope alive.
It’s worth noting that Ecuador, a direct rival for the second spot, had three points docked earlier in the campaign due to a passport irregularity, a factor that subtly reshaped the upper half of the table.
What’s next for both teams?
Argentina will finish their qualifying round in November, likely rotating players to keep the squad fresh for the World Cup. Scaloni hinted at experimenting with a three‑center‑back system, an idea that could see younger prospects earn minutes ahead of the tournament.
Venezuela faces a decisive clash with Colombia on October 14 in Caracas. A victory would catapult them into the inter‑confederation playoff, while a loss could consign them to another four‑year wait.
Historical context: Messi’s home farewell
The notion of a “home farewell” is rare in South American football. The last time a player of Messi’s stature bid adieu on home soil was when Brazil’s Pelé ended his international career at the Maracanã in 1971. Messi’s two‑goal performance echoes that emotional weight, reinforcing his status as an icon whose influence extends beyond the pitch.
Fans will likely remember the night in Buenos Aires forever – the roar, the tears, the flash of the Argentine flag waving in the floodlights – as the moment a generation said goodbye.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Messi’s home farewell affect Argentina fans?
The emotional farewell sparked a surge of national pride, with stadiums across the country reporting a 30% rise in viewership for subsequent matches. Merchandise sales for Messi jerseys jumped 45% in the week after the qualifier, signaling both a commercial boost and a rallying point for the squad heading into the World Cup.
What does the 3‑0 result mean for Venezuela’s playoff hopes?
The loss left Venezuela on 18 points with a -10 goal difference, putting them three points behind Colombia, the next opponent. To stay alive, they must win in Caracas on October 14 and hope Colombia slips up against Peru.
Who scored in the Miami friendly and why was it significant?
Giovani Lo Celso netted the lone goal, demonstrating Argentina’s depth after Messi’s rest. His strike showed the team’s ability to create chances without relying on their star, an encouraging sign for the World Cup roster.
When is Venezuela’s next crucial match?
Venezuela meets Colombia on October 14, 2025, in Caracas. The fixture is a must‑win for the Venezuelan side to keep any inter‑confederation playoff chance alive.
What injuries impacted Argentina’s squad for the qualifier?
Key absentees were midfielder Enzo Fernández (suspension), goalkeeper Franco Armani (knee), and defender Facundo Medina (ankle). Their replacements stepped up, illustrating the squad’s depth.