Messi shone at the Monumental in what is likely to be his final competitive game in his homeland.
Messi shone at the Monumental in what is likely to be his final competitive game in his homeland
In front of a full house at the Estadio Monumental de Nunez -- more than 85,000 fans representing millions of Argentines around the world -- Lionel Messi took to the pitch on Thursday night for what was almost certainly his last competitive match for Argentina on home soil. The South American qualifier against Venezuela may have held little sporting significance for the already-qualified world champions, but for Messi and his nation, it was a night that meant everything.
With his entire family watching on from the stands, the 38-year-old produced a performance full of emotion, skill and class -- scoring twice in a 3-0 win and reminding everyone exactly why he is considered one of the greatest of all time.
Tears, Tributes and a Trademark Finish
As he emerged to warm up, the number 10 struggled to hold back tears, moved by the overwhelming reception from the home crowd. When the teams walked out, Messi was joined by his three sons -- Thiago, Mateo and Ciro -- amid a standing ovation.
Messi, who first played for Argentina in his homeland on 9 September 2005, has long held a special bond with the fans. That debut, against Peru, came during qualifiers for the 2006 World Cup. Just 18 at the time, Messi did not score that day -- but destiny had already been written.
His first goal in Argentina came three years later, against Uruguay in October 2008. Since then, there have been many more, including Thursday's double, which took his home tally to 39 goals in 45 matches on Argentine soil.
The opener was a moment of typical Messi magic. Julian Alvarez could have taken the shot himself but unselfishly squared for the veteran, who produced a delightful chip to open the scoring. Later, Thiago Almada teed him up for his second, sealing a special night in style.
The Monumental has been Messi's most frequent stage for the national team, hosting 24 of his 45 matches in Argentina. La Bombonera and San Juan have also seen him grace their pitches, but it was in Núñez that the legend reached his peak for the Albiceleste.
Alongside his 39 goals, Messi has provided 20 assists in home matches -- meaning he has been directly involved in 59 goals across those 45 appearances.
When the final whistle sounded, Messi left the pitch to thunderous applause, the same humble figure who had once struggled under the weight of expectation. Now, he departs a World Cup winner, having helped deliver the dream of an entire nation in Qatar in 2022.
Argentina 3-0 Venezuela: Messi Leads the Way
While much of the focus was rightly on Messi, the match itself still had its moments. Venezuela started brightly but were quickly pushed onto the back foot by the hosts.
Tagliafico had the first clear chance on 21 minutes, followed soon after by two efforts from Messi -- one denied by the defence, another flagged offside. But persistence paid off before the break, with Alvarez dancing past his marker and setting up Messi for a classy finish.
In the second half, Argentina continued to dominate. Lautaro Martinez doubled the lead in the 75th minute, heading in a Nico Gonzalez cross after another Messi-led build-up. Just minutes later, Almada launched a counter-attack and found Messi again, who slotted home with trademark composure.
Messi even had the ball in the net for a third time, but the flag was up for offside -- denying him a farewell hat-trick.
Argentina, already assured of top spot in qualifying, will round off their campaign against Ecuador. For Messi, appearances for the national team are now likely to be limited to friendlies and, possibly, the 2026 World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada.
Venezuela, meanwhile, still have hopes of a play-off place and face Colombia on Tuesday in a decisive fixture.
This article was originally published on Trivela.
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Andy Brent