Lautaro scores again for Argentina, making him their fifth all-time top goal scorer | OneFootball

It was a historic and emotional night at the Estadio Monumental. Practically the whole country watched Argentina vs. Venezuela, the penultimate match of the World Cup qualifiers, with both admiration and nostalgia. What was probably Lionel Messi’s last home match for the national team ended in celebrations in Buenos Aires, which included a goal contribution from Inter captain Lautaro Martinez.

Lautaro started the game on the bench but came on for Julian Alvarez in the 74th minute, and just one minute and 19 seconds later, he scored. Messi’s long ball, from a quick free kick, and a cross from Nico Gonzalez led to a diving header from El Toro.

Lautaro’s acrobatic effort against Peru last November put him level with Diego Armando Maradona in the all-time scoring charts for Argentina. Now, with 33 goals for the Seleccion, he is in fifth place, behind Messi (114), Batistuta (55), Agüero (41) and Crespo (35).

The game against Venezuela ended 3-0, with Messi’s opening and closing goals in the 36th and 80th minute. Argentina, who have dominated their World Cup qualifying group with 38 points, will conclude their campaign against Ecuador in Guayaquil, at 01:00 CEST on Wednesday 10 September.