Messi gives a recital in his 'farewell' to the fans, and Argentina beats Venezuela

Messi's stunning goal opened the scoring! Julián Alvarez received a three-finger assist from Paredes, who broke the defense. The center forward dribbled past his marker and passed to the star, who flicked the ball over to put Argentina ahead in the 40th minute.

Another save from Romo. Messi released the ball to Almada at the edge of the penalty area. The number 16 cut to the right and shot, but the goalkeeper made another excellent save.

Lautaro extended the lead! In the closing stages of the match, in the 31st minute of the second half, the center forward received a low cross from González, headed it in, and scored the second for the Argentines.

The star's second goal late on! Lionel Messi received a pass from Almada inside the penalty area and finished with style, putting Argentina's third goal in the back of the net in the 35th minute.

Argentina 3-0 Venezuela

Competition: 17th round of the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup Venue: Monumental de Núñez Stadium - Buenos Aires, Argentina Date and Time: September 4, 2025, at 8:30 pm (Brasília time) Referee: Piero Maza (CHI) Assistants: Claudio Oorrutia and José Retamal (CHI) VAR: Juan Lara (CHI) Goals: Lionel Messi, in the 40th minute/1st half, Lautaro Martínez, in the 31st minute/2nd half, Lionel Messi, in the 35th minute/2nd half Yellow cards: Romero (Argentina); Cásseres, Aramburu (Venezuela)