Star player Lionel Messi continues to dazzle on the field, raising speculation that he might not represent Argentina in future matches.
In a thrilling display of football, Argentina secured a 3-0 victory over Venezuela in the Monumental Stadium, Buenos Aires, in a World Cup qualifier that could mark Lionel Messi's last official match in his home country.
Messi, who recently turned 39, scored twice in the game, with his first goal coming in the 39th minute and the second four minutes later. Lautaro Martínez added another goal for Argentina in the 76th minute, sealing a convincing win for the team.
Despite the emotional atmosphere, Argentina had already secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup prior to this match. The team's captain's performance, however, was a fitting tribute to his illustrious career. His family was present to witness the historic moment, adding to the emotional charge of the match.
Brazil, who had already qualified, also celebrated a 3-0 win in the penultimate round of World Cup qualifiers, beating Chile. Besides Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay and Colombia have also secured their spots in the South American FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Uruguay clinched their place with a 3-0 win over Peru, while Colombia triumphed over Bolivia with a 3-0 scoreline.
Paraguay, on the other hand, qualified for the 2026 World Cup with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador.
Interestingly, the Argentine Football Federation prefers to play friendlies abroad due to the higher revenues they generate. This could potentially mean that Messi's fans may have to wait to see him play for the national team again, unless Argentina schedules a surprise friendly in Argentina before the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico this summer.
Meanwhile, Messi's future plans for the national team beyond the 2026 World Cup remain unclear. However, his contract with Inter Miami is reportedly set to be renewed, indicating that he may continue to play club football at the highest level.
With the qualification for the World Cup secured, the focus now shifts to the preparation for the tournament. Argentina and Brazil, along with the other qualified teams, will be aiming to make a strong impact on the global stage.
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