There are football nights that feel like history being written in real time. Thursday, September 4, 2025, at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires was one of them. Argentina beat Venezuela 3–0 in a World Cup qualifier, but the scoreline was only part of the story.
This was Lionel Messi’s final World Cup qualifier on home soil. The night carried the weight of two decades of brilliance, and as Messi walked out onto the pitch, the stands trembled with the knowledge that this might be the last time Argentine fans saw him in such a setting.
The atmosphere was electric, not with nerves, but with celebration and gratitude. From the national anthem to the final whistle, the crowd understood they weren’t just watching a game; they were witnessing a farewell chapter of a living legend.
The Match Recap: Argentina 3–0 Venezuela
Argentina dominated from start to finish. Venezuela resisted early but could not hold out against the rhythm Messi dictated. In the 39th minute, Messi opened the scoring with the kind of finish that has defined his career: a perfectly timed run into space, a soft touch, and a calm strike past the goalkeeper.
The second half felt like a celebration parade. On 76 minutes, Lautaro Martínez doubled the lead, capitalizing on Argentina’s sustained pressure. Just four minutes later, Messi added his second of the night, slotting home to make it 3–0 and sending the Monumental into raptures.
Argentina already had qualification for the 2026 World Cup secure, but this wasn’t about points. It was about Messi giving his home crowd one final performance they will never forget.
Atmosphere Inside Más Monumental
When he scored his first goal, the eruption shook the ground. Strangers hugged. Families wept. It felt less like a qualifier and more like a farewell concert, with Messi as both the star and the gift. By the time he netted the second, even Venezuela’s defenders could only look resigned, aware they were part of a night much bigger than themselves.
Messi’s Movement and Magic on the Night
Watching Messi against Venezuela was like a time machine. He drifted between lines, orchestrated triangles with Julián Álvarez and Thiago Almada, and controlled the rhythm with the same calm dominance he once displayed weekly at Camp Nou.
For the first goal, he ghosted into a pocket of space that only he could see. One glance, one feint, and the finish was inevitable. His second goal came from a flowing move, with Almada driving through midfield before slipping the ball into Messi’s path. The timing was perfect, and Messi made the finish look simple.
At 38, he no longer sprints endlessly, but his brain and feet remain sharper than anyone else’s. Every touch carried intent, every movement recalled his Barcelona days, when defenders would chase shadows while he dictated play.
Why This Was Messi’s Final Home Qualifier
After the match, Messi confirmed what had been whispered for weeks: this was his last World Cup qualifier on Argentine soil. Speaking to reporters, he said, “This was my last home qualifier. It’s special to say goodbye like this, with my people, in my country.”
He stopped short of announcing retirement, but the message was clear. The road is nearing its end, and this was his way of closing one chapter.
Quotes from Messi: “We’ll See” About 2026
Naturally, the question every journalist asked was about the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Messi’s response was classic him: honest, humble, and uncertain.
“We’ll see,” he said. “It depends on how I feel physically. I will decide later, closer to the tournament. For now, I just want to enjoy these moments.”
That one line: “we’ll see”set off headlines worldwide. For Argentina fans, it keeps hope alive. For the football world, it adds drama to what could be the ultimate swan song.
What This Means for Argentina’s 2026 World Cup Plans
With or without Messi, Argentina will head to the 2026 World Cup as one of the favorites. The team has evolved beyond dependence on him, with Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, and Alexis Mac Allister carrying more responsibility.
But there is no replacing Messi. His presence changes everything: the calm he brings to teammates, the fear he strikes in opponents, and the sense of inevitability when he steps on the pitch.
Scaloni acknowledged as much after the game, saying, “Messi is unique. We will respect his decision about 2026, but as long as he wants to be with us, the door is open.”
The Barcelona Connection: Echoes of Camp Nou
For Barcelona fans, the performance against Venezuela was déjà vu. The way Messi drifted wide before cutting inside, the disguised passes, the sudden acceleration - all of it echoed his years in Catalonia.
#EliminatoriasSudamericanas
— Global Play (@globalplayok) September 5, 2025
Final del primer tiempo.
Argentina le gana a Venezuela 1-0 con este gol de Messi...https://t.co/Z2DQa8JbqV pic.twitter.com/BZAkShgNFa
The first goal looked like something pulled from a 2012 highlight reel, while the second was reminiscent of the countless combinations he finished off after intricate build-up play at Camp Nou. It was a reminder that no matter where he plays, Messi’s football DNA is stamped with Barcelona’s philosophy.
His Barcelona legacy isn’t only about trophies; it’s about the way he plays the game. And on this night in Buenos Aires, Barcelona’s influence was alive in every movement he made.
Messi’s Legacy in Numbers
The brace against Venezuela extended Messi’s record as the all-time top scorer in South American World Cup qualifiers, with around 36 goals. He also pushed his Argentina tally to 114 goals, further cementing his place as the nation’s greatest-ever player.
Numbers tell only part of the story, but they remind us of the consistency and brilliance that has defined him for nearly two decades.
The Emotions That Flowed: Fans, Teammates, and Messi Himself
When the final whistle blew, Messi stood still for a moment, looking around the stadium. He clapped toward the fans, raised his hands, and smiled. There were no tears this time, just gratitude. His teammates embraced him, knowing they had shared another historic night.
In the stands, fans waved flags and sang his name long after he left the field. It was not a goodbye with sadness but one filled with pride and appreciation. Messi himself summed it up: “I’m happy to have shared this with my people. It’s a memory I will keep forever.”
End of an Era or Just Another Chapter?
So, is this the end? Or simply another chapter in Messi’s extraordinary journey? That’s the question the football world is asking. His words suggest the story isn’t finished yet. The 2026 World Cup looms, and while nothing is certain, the possibility of seeing Messi one last time on the biggest stage is enough to keep hope alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was this really Messi’s last World Cup qualifier at home?
Yes, Messi himself confirmed it. He said this match against Venezuela “will be my last home qualifier” for Argentina. It’s an emotional farewell, with his family by his side. But he didn’t issue a full retirement statement, leaving the door open for future appearances.
Did Messi announce his retirement from international football?
Not officially. He didn’t retire but he hinted that his international days are nearing an end. He mentioned that this game was special and said “after that, I don’t know what will happen”, signaling that he may step away soon.
Will Messi play in the 2026 World Cup?
Messi was candid and measured. When asked, he said simply: “We’ll see. It depends on how I feel physically. If I’m not feeling good, I’d rather not be there.” He stressed that his decision will come down to his fitness in the months leading up to the tournament.
Why might Messi not travel to Ecuador next?
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, echoing Messi’s concerns, decided not to take Messi to the final qualifier in Guayaquil to prioritize his rest and recovery. It reflects a cautious, long-term approach to managing his fitness.
How did Messi perform in this emotional match?
He delivered a vintage performance, scoring twice. First, he found space and opened the scoring in the 39th minute. Then he added a second in the 80th minute that sealed a 3–0 win over Venezuela.
What was the atmosphere like at the Monumental Stadium?
Electric and heartfelt. Fans held banners like “Gracias Capitán,” chanted Messi’s name, and celebrated with tears, cheers, and a standing ovation before kickoff. Messi appeared visibly moved, standing with his children during the anthem, and near tears.
How many home qualifiers has Messi played in?
This match marked Messi’s 45th home World Cup qualifier and his 72nd qualifier overall. At home, he has chalked up 39 wins, 10 draws, and just 2 losses, scoring 24 goals with 14 assists.
What’s next for Argentina after this match?
With Argentina already qualified, this result highlighted their dominance. They topped the CONMEBOL standings with 38 points and now turn their focus fully to 2026 and managing their squad’s fitness and form.
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