Argentina are playing Venezuela in Buenos Aires on Matchday 17 of the World Cup qualifiers. The Monumental Stadium is full of fans for what is Lionel Messi’s final qualifier.
The 38-year-old captain gave the crowd a special moment late in the first half. He scored the opening goal with a calm left-footed finish, showing his trademark class. The strike put Argentina in front as the first half came to an end.
Messi had already called this game very special. His family, including his wife, children, parents, and siblings, are watching from the stands. “It’s going to be very special for me because it will be my last qualifying match. I don’t know if there will be friendlies or more matches after that,” he said before the game.
Argentina had secured qualification earlier with 35 points at the top of the table. Ecuador and Brazil are also through with 25 points each. The remaining automatic spots are still being decided. Uruguay and Paraguay have 24 points, Colombia has 22, and Venezuela are fighting with 18 points for a first-ever World Cup place.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said before kick-off that the night would be emotional. “If it really is the last qualifying match, we have to enjoy it,” he told reporters.
Elsewhere in South America, Paraguay are playing Ecuador, Uruguay are meeting Peru, Colombia are hosting Bolivia, and Brazil are facing Chile. The results will decide which teams qualify before the final matchday on September 9.
The 2026 World Cup will be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States next June and July.
