Farewell goal: Messi’s amazing goal marks a historic night at the Monumental against Venezuela Por Luís Henrique Costa
7 min de leitura
 |
On an emotionally charged night at the Monumental de Núñez Stadium in Buenos Aires, Lionel Messi scored the opening goal for Argentina at the 38th minute of the first half against Venezuela, on Thursday, September 4, 2025, in the 17th round of the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The match, marking the star’s farewell to official games on home soil, sees the Albiceleste dominating but facing resistance from Venezuelan goalkeeper Rafael Romo. With 35 points, Argentina has already secured the lead in the tournament, while Venezuela, with 18 points, fights for a historic World Cup spot. The game, still ongoing, reflects the intensity of a world champion team against a determined opponent. The packed stadium honors Messi, who was moved to tears during the national anthem, accompanied by his children on the field.
Argentina started the match imposing their rhythm, with superior ball possession and constant pressure in the opponent’s half. Venezuela, in turn, adopts a defensive stance, seeking sporadic counterattacks. Messi’s goal, a precise shot inside the box, came after a series of missed chances by Julián Álvarez and Tagliafico, both stopped by Romo’s saves.
- Key moments so far:
- 38’ – Messi’s goal, finishing inside the box to open the score.
- 25’ – Messi attempts a shot, but Romo makes a great save.
- 21’ – Tagliafico shoots on target, but the Venezuelan goalkeeper saves.
- 15’ – Yellow card for Venezuela’s Cásseres for a harsh foul.
- 3’ – Julián Álvarez shoots from outside the box, but Romo defends.
Argentine dominance in the first half
Argentina took the field with the lineup confirmed by coach Lionel Scaloni, using a 4-5-1 formation blending experience and youth. Emiliano Martínez in goal, the defensive duo of Otamendi and Cristian Romero, and a robust midfield with Paredes, De Paul, and Mastantuono support the attacking trio of Almada, Messi, and Julián Álvarez. Venezuela, led by Fernando Batista, also employs a 4-5-1, with goalkeeper Rafael Romo standing out with crucial saves.
The game began with Argentina controlling possession, creating chances early on. At 3 minutes, Julián Álvarez tried a shot from outside the box, but Romo saved confidently. The pressure continued, with Tagliafico and Otamendi also testing the opposing goalkeeper, who emerged as the main barrier for the Albiceleste. Venezuela, despite their defensive posture, managed a dangerous moment at 11 minutes when Rincón shot, but the ball was blocked by Argentina’s defense.
The crowd at the Monumental de Núñez, with a capacity of over 80,000, creates an electrifying atmosphere, especially as it’s Messi’s last home game in the Qualifiers. The star, visibly emotional, received a standing ovation as he entered the field with his sons, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, while his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, watched from the stands.
Emotion marks Messi’s farewell
The night carries special weight for Argentine fans, who fill the stadium to celebrate Lionel Messi’s career, one of the greatest players in history. At 38, the number 10 announced this is likely his last official match on Argentine soil in the Qualifiers, as he does not plan to play in the next World Cup cycle. The national anthem, played before the game, brought tears to the star’s eyes as he was embraced by his children on the field.
- Memorable emotional moments for Messi:
- Entering the field with his sons, under the crowd’s applause.
- Teary eyes during the Argentine national anthem.
- Tributes from fans with banners and chants at the Monumental.
Coach Lionel Scaloni, in a pre-match interview, emphasized the importance of cherishing every moment of Messi on the field. Argentina, already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, uses the match to maintain their unbeaten home record and test new tactical options, with young players like Mastantuono gaining prominence in the squad.
Venezuelan resistance and defensive strategy
Venezuela, despite sitting in seventh place with 18 points, still dreams of a direct spot in the 2026 World Cup, to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The team, led by Fernando Batista, relies on a solid defense, anchored by goalkeeper Rafael Romo, who has made at least three key saves in the first half. The Vinotinto struggles to create attacking plays, with only one dangerous shot by Rincón so far.
Their tactical setup prioritizes midfield compactness, with Rincón and Cásseres tasked with containing Argentina’s advances. In attack, Rondón is the main reference but has been well-marked by Argentina’s center-backs. Venezuela received one yellow card, for Cásseres at 15 minutes, in a match marked by numerous fouls on both sides.
- Highlights of Venezuela’s strategy:
- Rafael Romo as the standout player, with crucial saves.
- Defensive compactness to neutralize Argentina’s attack.
- Counterattack attempts led by Rincón and Savarino.
- Tactical discipline, despite Cásseres’ yellow card.
Detailed timeline of key moments
The match has been intense, with Argentina dominating and Venezuela holding firm. Below are the main moments of the game up to the 41st minute of the first half, based on recorded plays:
- 3’ – Julián Álvarez shoots from outside the box, but Romo saves.
- 11’ – Rincón shoots for Venezuela, but the ball is blocked by the defense.
- 15’ – Cásseres receives a yellow card for a harsh foul in midfield.
- 21’ – Tagliafico shoots on target, but Romo makes another great save.
- 25’ – Messi attempts a shot, but the Venezuelan goalkeeper saves again.
- 38’ – Messi scores a stunning goal inside the box, putting Argentina ahead.
The game remains balanced in terms of fouls, with infractions committed by both sides. Argentina has fouls from Paredes, Julián Álvarez, and Messi himself, while Venezuela has fouls from Cásseres, Rincón, and Eduard Bello. The refereeing, led by Piero Maza, keeps the match under control despite its intensity.
Unique atmosphere at Monumental de Núñez
The Monumental Stadium, the largest in South America, is completely packed for Messi’s farewell to official home games. The Argentine fans prepared numerous tributes, including banners thanking the star and chants echoing throughout the stadium. The presence of Messi’s family in the stands adds to the historic nature of the match, blending celebration and nostalgia.
Argentina, with their flawless Qualifiers campaign, has secured not only a World Cup spot but also the top position in the South American table. With 35 points in 16 games, Scaloni’s team boasts a +19 goal difference, with 28 goals scored and only 9 conceded. Venezuela, meanwhile, fights to reach the sixth spot for direct qualification or at least the seventh for the playoff.
- Numbers highlighting Argentina’s campaign:
- 35 points in 16 games, with 11 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses.
- Average of 5.6 shots per game, compared to Venezuela’s 4.6.
- Only 1.3 yellow cards per game, showing tactical discipline.
Expectations for the rest of the match
With the score at 1-0 up to the 41st minute of the first half, Argentina continues to press for a larger lead. Messi’s golazo reignites hopes of a convincing victory, but Venezuela shows resilience with Romo’s saves and defensive organization. The match promises more excitement in the second half, with the Albiceleste aiming to solidify their dominance and the Vinotinto looking to surprise on counterattacks.
The Argentine crowd, turning the Monumental into a cauldron, continues to support the team and celebrate every Messi touch. For Venezuela, the mission is clear: hold off the opponent’s momentum and seek at least a draw to keep their qualification hopes alive. The game, still ongoing, keeps fans on both sides anticipating more decisive moments.
