A offered out stadium of 85 thousand in Buenos Aires witness two farewell Lionel Messi objectives in World Cup qualifier.
Printed On 5 Sep 2025
Lionel Messi made certain he had good reminiscences of enjoying a house qualifier with Argentina’s nationwide staff for the final time in his illustrious profession.
The previous Barcelona ahead scored twice on Thursday in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Venezuela in entrance of a raucous sellout crowd that had gathered at Estadio Monumental to bid him farewell.
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“With the ability to end this manner here’s what I’ve at all times dreamed of,” Messi mentioned.
“I’ve skilled a number of issues on this pitch, each good and never so good, nevertheless it’s at all times a pleasure to play in Argentina, in entrance of our followers.”
Messi is but to offer any clues about when he’ll retire from the highest degree of the game, however the qualifiers for the 2030 World Cup will start in 2027, when he’s 40.
The Argentina captain scored within the thirty ninth and eightieth minutes, and Lautaro Martinez added a aim within the 76th.
Messi now has 36 objectives in South American World Cup qualifiers and stays the all-time scoring chief.
His Inter Miami teammate, Luis Suarez, has 29 objectives in continental qualifying, however he has retired from Uruguay’s nationwide staff. Bolivia’s Marcelo Moreno Martins is third with 22.
Wanting forward, Messi clarified he’ll solely compete in subsequent yr’s World Cup if he feels bodily match.
“I’m excited, keen. It’s daily, feeling the sensations. If I really feel good, I get pleasure from it; if not, I’d slightly not be there,” he mentioned, including that the 9 months till the match kicks off “is a very long time”.
Already certified, the World Cup champions prolonged their tally to 38 factors and can stay atop the South American qualifying standings no matter what occurs within the final spherical subsequent Tuesday.
Venezuela, attempting to qualify for its first World Cup, stays on 18 factors and in seventh place. They’re nonetheless in rivalry to advance to an intercontinental playoff.
