The excitement had been building for days, with tickets selling out within hours. Before the game, the area around Monumental stadium was awash with flags, jerseys, and banners thanking Messi. Thousands of families gathered, transforming the Buenos Aires evening into a football festival, a nation expressing its gratitude to the captain who led Argentina back to the pinnacle of world football.

Messi's family was present for this special occasion. All three sons, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, joined their legendary father on the field to sing the national anthem. Afterward, they joined their mother, Antonela Roccuzzo, in the stands.

Argentina had already secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup, but the September 4th match at Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires still held special significance. It marked the team's final home game in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers and Messi's last official match in Argentina.

After facing Venezuela, Argentina will conclude their qualifying campaign away to Ecuador on 9/10. Following this, they will play two friendlies in South Korea and Japan in November, another friendly in Singapore, and compete in the Intercontinental Super Cup against Spain at a yet-to-be-determined European venue in 3/2025. In 6/2026, Argentina will participate in the World Cup hosted by Canada, the US, and Mexico. After this tournament, Messi is likely to retire from international football.

As usual, Messi wore the captain's armband and was the heart of Argentina's play. He played the full 90 minutes, touching the ball 106 times, completing 89% of his passes with five key passes, dribbling past opponents three times, and taking seven shots with four on target. Messi received a 9.3 rating from Sofascore, the highest of the match.

The moment Monumental stadium fans had been waiting for arrived in the 39th minute. Forward Julian Alvarez broke down the right side of the penalty area, cut inside past a defender, and found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Instead of shooting, he passed the ball across to Messi. The 38-year-old calmly controlled the ball, despite being surrounded by the goalkeeper and three defenders, and chipped it over them to open the scoring.

What was supposed to be a simple warm-up became an unforgettable memory. Not only Messi but also everyone on the field and in the stands was immersed in the poignant atmosphere of farewell.

Messi continued to make his mark on the second goal. In the 76th minute, the Inter Miami player passed to Nico Gonzalez, who made a run down the wing and crossed into the box for substitute Lautaro Martinez to head home and double the lead.

Messi sealed the victory for Argentina in the 80th minute, this time from a run down the right side of the penalty area by midfielder Thiago Almada. Like Alvarez in the opening goal, Almada chose to pass instead of shooting when facing the goalkeeper, setting up Messi for a simple tap-in into an empty net.

On the sidelines, coach Lionel Scaloni waved his hand, admiring the beauty of the goal. Before the match, the Argentina coach had wept during a press conference when mentioning Messi and his last game in Buenos Aires.

With his brace against Venezuela, Messi increased his World Cup qualifying tally to 36 goals, equaling Cristiano Ronaldo. Only Carlos Ruiz of Guatemala has a better record, with 39 goals.

Messi might have one more chance to reach this milestone when Argentina visits Ecuador in their final qualifier on 9/10. A hat trick would see him equal the record, but his participation remains uncertain. Coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed Messi's inclusion in the squad but suggested he might rest him to save energy for the final stages of the MLS season with Inter Miami, where he is aiming for the MLS Cup.

Ronaldo has more opportunities to play and potentially surpass Carlos Ruiz's record, as Portugal has not yet begun its European World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign. Portugal is in Group F, facing supposedly weaker opponents: Armenia, Hungary, and Ireland. On 9/6, Ronaldo and his teammates will play their opening match away to Armenia.

Hong Duy

Photos: Reuters, AFP, Minuto Uno, Infobae