Lionel Messi Leads Argentina to 3-0 Win Over Venezuela
Read about Argentina's dominant 3-0 victory over Venezuela in the World Cup qualifiers, including key stats and player highlights.
Lionel Messi's first shot on target, which occurred just before the half-hour mark, significantly boosted the home support's morale...
Lionel Messi scored two goals as Argentina secured a 3-0 victory over Venezuela in their final home World Cup qualifier, potentially marking his last appearance on home soil. The Argentine captain led his team onto the field accompanied by his three sons, adding to the emotional significance of the moment. Messi's goals in the 39th and 80th minutes bookended a strong team performance, with Lautaro Martinez scoring the other goal in the 76th minute.
Franco Mastantuano earned his first start in the match, returning to the Estadio Monumental, where he initially gained recognition. This notable change in the starting lineup was part of Lionel Scaloni's tactical decisions for the game.
The match began with an inventive kick-off routine by Venezuela, which nearly caught Argentina off guard in the first 15 seconds. Argentina quickly regained composure, with Julián Álvarez unleashing a powerful shot that Rafael Romo parried. A corner kick opportunity followed, but Cristian Romero's potential opening goal was ruled out due to offside, keeping the score goalless.
Venezuela's attacking efforts were sporadic, but Salomón Rondón consistently posed a threat to Argentina's defense, particularly against Cristian Romero and Nicolás Otamendi. Otamendi, who might have been playing his final game for Argentina, faced a challenging match against Rondón's relentless pressure. Meanwhile, Argentina showcased intense energy both with and without possession, having already secured their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Lionel Messi's first shot on target, which occurred just before the half-hour mark, significantly boosted the home support's morale. This moment highlighted Argentina's dominance in the match, with Messi's skill and precision inspiring his teammates to maintain their high level of performance. The crowd's enthusiasm underscored the significance of the game, potentially Messi's last home match for Argentina.
¡El último como local en las #EliminatoriasSudamericanas para @Argentina fue con victoria! 🔥🇦🇷
— CONMEBOL.com (@CONMEBOL) September 5, 2025
⚽️⚽️ Lionel Messi
⚽️ Lautaro Martínez pic.twitter.com/dznJoqoGV9
As halftime approached, Julián Álvarez initiated a swift counter-attack, passing the ball to Lionel Messi, who skillfully chipped it past three defenders and goalkeeper Rafael Romo. This clinical finish marked Messi's 113th goal for Argentina, showcasing his exceptional skill and precision.
The first half concluded with Thiago Almada's curling effort in injury time, which prompted an impressive save from Romo. The goalkeeper's agility and reflexes were on full display as he denied Argentina from increasing their lead.
After the break, Argentina maintained their attacking momentum, with Julián Álvarez playing a key role in the team's offensive plays. Venezuela's coach, Fernando Batista, responded by deploying a five-man defense, highlighting the team's determination to withstand Argentina's pressure. Despite this, Jefferson Savarino managed to get a shot on target as the game neared the hour mark.
Lionel Messi continued to threaten Venezuela's goal, firing a shot on target that nearly resulted in a second goal for Argentina. Shortly after, Messi delivered a precise pass to substitute Nico Gonzalez, but Romo made another impressive save, denying Argentina from extending their lead. Romo's sixth save of the game showcased his exceptional goalkeeping skills.
As the match approached its final 20 minutes, Venezuela started to gain momentum, prompting Lionel Scaloni to introduce Lautaro Martinez and Exequiel Palacios. Martinez quickly made an impact, scoring Argentina's second goal with his first touch after coming on.
With Venezuela tiring, Argentina maintained sustained pressure. Lionel Messi added to his tally with a beautifully executed finish from Thiago Almada's precise pull-back. As the match neared its conclusion, Messi appeared to have completed a sensational hat-trick, only to be denied by the offside flag.
Head-to-Head Record
The win extends Argentina's dominance over Venezuela, with La Albiceleste now leading the head-to-head record:
- Argentina wins: 25
- Draws: 3
- Venezuela wins: 2
This victory showcases Argentina's consistent superiority over Venezuela in their encounters.
Match Highlights
- Messi's Goals: The Argentine superstar showcased his skill and precision, scoring twice, including a beautifully taken finish in the 39th minute where he latched onto a pass from Julian Alvarez and fired into the top-right corner of Romo's net.
- Lautaro Martinez's Goal: Martinez added to Argentina's tally with a diving header in the 76th minute, courtesy of a precise cross from Nico Gonzalez.
- Thiago Almada's Assist: Almada provided the assist for Messi's second goal, sliding through the Venezuela defense to deliver a perfect pass.
Implications and Next Steps
Argentina has already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and tops the South American qualifying table with 38 points. They will face Ecuador in their next match. Venezuela, still without a World Cup qualification in their history, will look to keep their qualifying hopes alive when they host Colombia.
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