Lionel Messi scored to give Argentina a 1-0 lead against Venezuela in a World Cup qualifier in Buenos Aires on Thursday night, after breaking down in tears in what could be his final appearance on home soil.
The 38-year-old walked onto the pitch at the packed Ms Monumental stadium with his children and was met with thunderous applause from more than 80,000 fans. Overcome by the moment, Messi wiped away tears as the Albiceleste lined up for what many believe was his last competitive outing in Argentina colours in front of home supporters.
The goal came in the 39th minute. Julian Alvarez broke into the Venezuelan penalty area but, instead of shooting, squared the ball across the face of goal. Spotting his captain beside him, Alvarez set up Messi, who calmly tapped home with his famed left foot. The crowd erupted, waving flags, chanting his name and celebrating the moment as if it were a final. It was a classic Messi finish, in an unforgettable setting.
Messi himself had already acknowledged the significance of the fixture in the days leading up to the match. “It’s going to be a very special game for me because it’s the last one in the qualifying round. I don’t know if there will be friendlies or more games after that,” he said in a postgame interview with Apple TV after Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup semifinal win against Orlando City on August 27. Argentina had long since booked its ticket to the 2026 World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, but the fixture against Venezuela was about more than qualification. It was about Argentina’s farewell to their captain on home soil.
Speaking again about the occasion, Messi said: “It’s going to be a very, very special match for me because it’s the last qualifying match. I don’t know if there will be friendlies or more matches after [Venezuela], but it is a very special match, so my family will be there with me: my wife, my children, my parents, my siblings. We’re going to live it like that. I don’t know what will happen next.” He walked out with his children before kick-off and later embraced them again at the final whistle.
The match was framed by tributes across Argentina and beyond. CONMEBOL shared a photograph of Messi ahead of the game with the caption: “The last dance is coming.” The federation, like the fans, understood the weight of the evening.
National coach Lionel Scaloni admitted it was an emotional occasion not just for the captain but for everyone around him. “Yes, this is a match which Leo has said will be emotional, special, nice because it’s true that it’s our last qualifying match. More than anyone, I will enjoy it. Having been able to coach him has honestly been a pleasure, and let’s hope that fans who go to the stadium will also enjoy it because he truly deserves it,” Scaloni said, visibly moved himself.
Messi has not yet officially declared whether he will take part in the 2026 World Cup, which would be his sixth, but he has hinted that this campaign could be his last with the national team. For the supporters in Buenos Aires, the uncertainty only heightened the emotion of the night. The stadium was awash with flags, murals, and songs in his honour, as if to say goodbye just in case another opportunity never comes.