World Cup 2026 qualifiers: Argentina vs Venezuela, the key takeaways | OneFootball

World Cup 2026 qualifiers: Argentina vs Venezuela, the key takeaways

Reigning world champions Argentina will host Venezuela this Friday, September 5, 2025, as part of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. For the Argentines, it’s a match with little at stake.

Messi, perhaps a final home appearance

Already through to the finals, the world champions are looking to keep their momentum going in what promises to be an electrifying night at Buenos Aires’s Estadio Monumental. This fixture could carry extra significance: according to several outlets, it might be Lionel Messi’s last appearance in the albiceleste shirt in his hometown.

One more reason for fans to pack the Monumental and salute their legendary captain.

The standings

A one-sided historical rivalry

This will be the 30th clash between the two nations. The record heavily favors Argentina: 24 albiceleste victories, 2 for Venezuela, and 3 draws. The last meeting was in October 2024 during the qualifiers, where Argentina cruised to victory.

As for what’s at stake, for Argentina it’s about reaffirming their continental dominance and giving their fans another night to remember. For Venezuela, it’s all about pulling off an upset to stay alive in the hunt for direct qualification.