🎥 Plenty of drama as Messi shines in farewell with the Argentina squad 🇦🇷 | OneFootball

It was a more than special Thursday night (4) for Lionel Messi in Buenos Aires.

The number 10 played his last point-scoring game with the Albiceleste on Argentine soil.

Argentina faced Venezuela in a packed and pulsating Estadio Más Monumental, the home of River Plate, for the 17th round of the Conmebol World Cup Qualifiers for 2026.

And they came out on top against the Vinotinto team with a 3-0 victory.

Thanks to two goals by Messi and one by Lautaro Martínez.

Argentina remains the isolated leader in the Qualifiers, now with 38 points.

Meanwhile, Venezuela (18) can only reach the World Cup via playoffs. They compete for this spot with Bolivia (17) with only one round remaining.

OVERFLOWING emotion 😭

The Argentine star couldn't hold back his tears at several moments before the match started.

STUNNING goal by the star already in the 1st half

Argentina did what was expected of them in the opening minutes.

There was a well-disallowed goal by Romero and goalkeeper Romo turning into the "villain".

Venezuela wasn't just staying in their half. They tried to attack.

Highlight for Bello.

Then Savarino slipped in an attempt to attack.

The Albiceleste's recovery came. And Julian Álvarez didn't hesitate to serve the man of the hour, who overflowed with quality.

Messi reached his 72nd game in the Qualifiers.

Equaling former Ecuadorian defender Iván Hurtado.

AND THERE WAS MORE!

Argentina's dominance was even greater after the break.

Messi kept trying.

The second Argentine goal came from him quickly taking a free kick.

And Lautaro Martínez receiving a gift right after coming on, at 31'.

The number 10 managed to score another after just having to complete Almada's cross (35').

🔢 Messi's Numbers with 🇦🇷

*He also won Gold at the 2008 Olympic Games and the 2005 U-20 World Cup.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

📸 Marcelo Endelli - 2025 Getty Images