A sold out stadium of 85 thousand in Buenos Aires witness two farewell Lionel Messi goals in World Cup qualifier.Published On 5 Sep 20255 Sep 2025Lionel Messi made sure he had good memories of playing a home qualifier with Argentina’s national team for the last time in his illustrious career.The former Barcelona forward scored twice on Thursday in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Venezuela in front of a raucous sellout crowd that had gathered at Estadio Monumental to bid him farewell.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of list“Being able to finish this way here is what I’ve always dreamed of,” Messi said.“I’ve experienced a lot of things on this pitch, both good and not so good, but it’s always a joy to play in Argentina, in front of our fans.” Lionel Messi of Argentina stands in front of one of the many banners prepared for him by the home fans during the World Cup qualifier [Marcos Brindicci/Getty Images]Messi is yet to give any clues about when he will retire from the top level of the sport, but the qualifiers for the 2030 World Cup will begin in 2027, when he is 40.The Argentina captain scored in the 39th and 80th minutes, and Lautaro Martinez added a goal in the 76th.Messi now has 36 goals in South American World Cup qualifiers and remains the all-time scoring leader.His Inter Miami teammate, Luis Suarez, has 29 goals in continental qualifying, but he has retired from Uruguay’s national team. Bolivia’s Marcelo Moreno Martins is third with 22. Argentina’s forward Lionel Messi bids final …
