Argentina 3-0 Venezuela: Goals and Highlights
Summary
Argentina beat Venezuela 3-0 in a FIFA World Cup 2026 CONMEBOL Qualifier at Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires. This was likely Lionel Messi’s last competitive match at home for Argentina, and they made it count, securing top spot in the qualifiers with 38 points. Venezuela are fighting for a playoff spot and are 7th with 18 points.
Argentina 3-0 Venezuela: Goals
Argentina scored in the 39th minute when Lionel Messi lobbed the ball over Rafael Romo after a great pass from Julián Álvarez, and the crowd went wild. The lead doubled in the 76th minute when Lautaro Martínez headed in a cross from Nicolás González after a quick Messi free-kick. Messi scored his second in the 80th minute, slotting home a through ball from Thiago Almada, 3-0. A potential hat-trick for Messi was ruled out for offside.
Player of the Match
Lionel Messi was the Man of the Match for his two goals and emotional performance. He was unstoppable, and his finishing and playmaking destroyed Venezuela’s defense. What a way to go out.
Match Highlights
Argentina had 76.5% possession, Venezuela had 0 shots on target, and 9 for Argentina. Thiago Almada almost scored, saved by Romo. Venezuela’s chances, led by Salomón Rondón, went nowhere. Subs like Lautaro Martínez and Exequiel Palacios brought the intensity. The Monumental crowd was chanting “Messi, Messi” as Lionel Scaloni’s team gave their captain a fitting send-off. This win cements Argentina’s dominance; Venezuela needs to win against Colombia next.
