Lionel Messi, one of the greatest players in soccer history, scored two goals in his final World Cup qualifier at home, helping Argentina beat Venezuela 3-0 on Thursday, September 4. However, the 38-year-old star has not given any indication as to when he will retire.
According to a Reuters report, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has confirmed that the match against Venezuela will be his last World Cup qualifier at home.
At the Estadio Monumental, a stadium in Buenos Aires, in the first half of the World Cup Qualifier match against Venezuela, Messi scored a goal in the 39th minute with a beautiful assist from Julián Alvarez, and Argentina took a 1-0 lead.
In the second half, Lautaro MartÃnez scored the second goal in the 76th minute, assisted by Nicolás González, and Messi added the third goal just 4 minutes later, assisted by Thiago Almada, which finally ended with Argentina’s stellar performance in victory over Venezuela.
“Being able to finish this way here with my people is what I always dreamed of,” Messi said after the match, according to Reuters. “For many years I had the affection of Barcelona fans, and my dream was to have it here in my country too.”
Also Read: Leagues Cup Final Ends in Intense Inter Miami vs. Seattle Sounders Clash
When asked about a possible retirement, World Cup winner Messi said, “It’s not something I like, want, or expect. But time is passing, and it’s been many years.”
Argentina tops the South American qualifying table for the 2026 World Cup in North America with 38 points and will play against Ecuador in their final group match on Tuesday.