Barcelona legend Lionel Messi played his final competitive home game for Argentina as the Albiceleste beat Venezuela 3-0 in their last 2026 World Cup Qualifier at the Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Messi, who looks set to retire from international football after next year’s World Cup, had his entire family and many of his close friends at the stadium to watch his farewell match, and after looking very emotional during the warm-up he got to experience the national anthem for the final time at home with
his children right by his side on the pitch.
And after the game began, the GOAT gave his home fans one last show. The first of his first two goals was almost laughable, as he received a pass from Julián Alvarez inside the box and lobbed the ball past the goalkeeper and three Venezuelan defenders who simply watched as the ball went over their heads and into the net.
Messi’s second came in the second half, and it was much simpler this time as Thiago Almada gave him a tap-in from short range to double his tally.
And Messi’s final home game almost ended in the perfect way as the GOAT scored a spectacular chip over the keeper to complete his hat-trick, but Leo was just offside and the goal was ruled out.
The final whistle came to end an unforgettble night for the greatest footballer who ever lived, who finishes his home career with yet another reminder of just how brilliant he is even at the age of 38.
Next year’s World Cup will probably be his true farewell, but Argentina fans have watched him at the Monumental for the very last time. And it was just as perfect as the first.
