Dream last dance: Messi gives the Argentina National Team victory against Venezuela

On an emotionally charged night, Argentina's national team defeated Venezuela 3-0 with a first-half brace from Lionel Messi. With this victory, number 10 managed to cap off a perfect night in what was his last home appearance with the Albiceleste.

The match began with clear dominance from the national team, controlling the ball and monopolizing possession. However, the team couldn't beat goalkeeper Romo until the end of the first half, when in the 39th minute Paredes delivered a spectacular pass to Julián Álvarez, who then assisted Messi to finish the play sublimely with a chipped ball over three Venezuelan defenders.

In the second half, Lionel Scaloni's team created several chances, with some clear attempts from La Pulga, Nico González, who came on for Mastantuono, and Thiago Almada, but La Vinotinto managed to withstand the attacks with solid defending and a standout performance from Romo.

Faced with this situation, the Argentine coach decided to make changes, bringing on Palacios for Paredes and Lautaro Martínez for Julián Álvarez. This last substitution proved crucial, as in the 76th minute, the Inter striker scored a lethal header to make it 2-0.

Just four minutes later, the Rosario star made his presence felt again to seal the 3-0 final score after a Thiago Almada assist.

With this victory, Argentina's national team reached 38 points, several points ahead of second place (Uruguay, 27), while Venezuela, thanks to defeats suffered by its play-off competitors, remains seventh in the standings and keeps its dream of reaching its first World Cup alive.

Last stop: Guayaquil

The national team will close the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup as visitors against Ecuador. The match will be played at the Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha starting at 8:00 p.m.