When Lionel Messi, captain of the Argentina national team, stepped onto the pitch at the Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on September 4, 2025, the 38‑year‑old Argentine star knew the night could become a chapter in football folklore. The match – a 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifier – pitted La Albiceleste against the Venezuela national team. By the final whistle, Messi had netted two of the three goals in a 3‑0 victory, and he confirmed it was his last competitive appearance on home soil.
A Night to Remember at the Monumental
The atmosphere inside the Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti was electric. Over 85,000 fans filled the 84,567‑capacity arena in Buenos Aires’ Belgrano district, chanting “¡Messi! ¡Messi!” as the Argentine legend made his way through the tunnel. Warm‑up footage showed the forward wiping away a solitary tear – an image that would dominate social media moments later. In the 39th minute, a low cross found Messi at the edge of the box; his left foot curled the ball into the net, silencing the stadium with a roar of excitement.
Six minutes later, Lautaro Martínez, the dynamic striker from Inter Miami CF, struck in the 63rd minute to make it 2‑0. But the real drama unfolded at the 78th minute when Messi, receiving the ball just outside the penalty area, curled a brilliant free‑kick into the top corner. The Argentine fans erupted, many reaching for their scarves as if to catch the tears that fell from Messi’s eyes.
Messi’s Record‑Breaking Journey
Beyond the emotions, the night added another layer to Messi’s staggering résumé. The two goals pushed his tally to 34 goals in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers, overtaking the previous record holder and cementing his status as the competition’s all‑time top scorer. It also marked his 72nd appearance in South American qualifiers – a number that ties him with Ecuador’s Iván Hurtado for most caps in the tournament’s history.
When asked about the significance of the match, Messi said, “It’s a very special match for me because it’s my last qualifier. I don’t know if there will be friendlies or more matches afterward, but it’s special, and that’s why my family is here with me.” His voice trembled, and he added, “Playing in front of our people, finishing in this way, is what I always dreamed of.” The sentiment resonated not just with Argentine supporters but with football lovers worldwide.
Reactions from Teammates and Opponents
Coach Lionel Scaloni praised his captain’s composure, noting that “Messi’s leadership goes beyond the goals he scores; it’s the calm he brings to the locker room.” Lautaro Martínez echoed the sentiment: “Scoring next to Leo feels like a gift. He’s given us everything, and tonight we wanted to give him a win he’ll never forget.”
Even players from the opposition voiced respect. Venezuela’s captain, Yangel Herrera, said, “Facing Messi is always a challenge. Tonight we saw his brilliance, but we also felt the weight of the moment for him.” The Venezuelan side, despite the loss, lauded the Argentine fans for their passion, noting the stadium’s roar was “something you carry with you for life.”
What This Means for Argentina’s World Cup Hopes
The 3‑0 win solidified Argentina’s position near the top of the ten‑team round‑robin table. With six matches remaining, La Albiceleste sits in second place, three points behind Brazil and comfortably ahead of a cluster of teams fighting for the final qualifying spots. The three points earned in Buenos Aires also give the squad breathing room as they approach the final qualifier against Ecuador on September 9 in Guayaquil.
Scaloni confirmed that Messi will sit out the Ecuador match, citing “the need for rest and the MLS schedule.” The Argentine forward, who now plays for Inter Miami CF, hinted at uncertainty regarding the 2026 World Cup: “We’ll see how it goes after the MLS season and preseason. I’m hoping to be fit, but the decision will depend on how I feel.” His words left fans wondering whether the Argentine icon will close his international chapter with a World Cup triumph or bow out after a storied career.
Looking Ahead: Messi’s Future and Argentina’s Final Qualifier
Beyond the national team, Messi’s club situation adds another layer of intrigue. Inter Miami, now a serious contender in the MLS, will finish its regular season in November and enter the playoffs. If Messi decides to retire from international duty, he could focus entirely on club duties, potentially extending his playing career another two or three years.
For Argentina, the next match against Ecuador will be a decisive test. Without Messi, the team will rely on the likes of Ángel Di María, Julián Álvarez, and a rising generation of forwards. The tactical shift could either expose vulnerabilities or showcase the depth that Scaloni has been building over the past few years. Regardless, the nation will be watching, hoping that the legacy Messi left behind will inspire the next generation to lift the coveted World Cup trophy.
Key Facts
- Date: September 4, 2025
- Venue: Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti, Buenos Aires
- Result: Argentina 3‑0 Venezuela (CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifier)
- Scorers: Lionel Messi (2), Lautaro Martínez (1)
- Attendance: 85,000 spectators
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Messi’s farewell affect Argentina’s chances in the 2026 World Cup?
The emotional boost from the 3‑0 win keeps Argentina in a strong qualifying position, but Messi’s absence in the final match against Ecuador means the team must rely on its depth. If other stars step up, the effect could be minimal; however, losing their talismanic leader may tighten the margin for error in the remaining fixtures.
Will Messi play in the 2026 World Cup?
Messi has not given a definitive answer. He said after the match that his participation will depend on his physical condition after the MLS season with Inter Miami CF. As of now, fans and analysts are waiting for a formal decision from both the player and the Argentine federation.
What records did Messi break in this game?
Messi became the all‑time top scorer in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers with 34 goals and tied Iván Hurtado’s record of 72 qualifier appearances. He also extended his tally as Argentina’s leading scorer to 106 international goals.
Why won’t Messi play against Ecuador on September 9?
Coach Lionel Scaloni announced that Messi will sit out to manage his workload after a grueling MLS season with Inter Miami. The decision also aligns with Messi’s own comments about assessing his physical condition before committing to further international matches.
How did Venezuelan fans react to the defeat?
Venezuelan supporters expressed disappointment but praised Argentina’s display. In Caracas, fans gathered at local bars, chanting “¡Messi! ¡Messi!” while acknowledging the Argentine legend’s greatness and hoping for a stronger showing in the remaining qualifiers.
