Lionel Messi shines, matches Cristiano Ronaldo, and breaks record in Argentina’s farewell

On the night of September 4, 2025, Lionel Messi dazzled once again, leading Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Venezuela at the Monumental de Núñez Stadium in Buenos Aires, during the 17th round of the South American World Cup Qualifiers for 2026. The number 10 scored two goals, matched Cristiano Ronaldo as the second-highest scorer in the history of the Qualifiers, and set a new record for appearances in the competition for Conmebol. The emotionally charged match marked Messi’s official farewell on Argentine soil, with the star being cheered by thousands of fans. The game solidified Argentina’s lead, already qualified for the World Cup, and cemented the night as a milestone in the star’s career. The next match, against Ecuador, could be Messi’s last in the Qualifiers, though his participation in the 2026 World Cup remains uncertain.

Messi’s performance was the highlight of a historic night. The 38-year-old player, who turned 38 in June, showed why he remains a global benchmark, blending technique, vision, and precision. The Argentine victory was built with goals from Messi and Lautaro Martínez, while Venezuela, fighting for a playoff spot, couldn’t counter the Albiceleste’s pressure.

• Messi’s goals: Two strikes, one with a chipped finish and another after Almada’s cross.
• Historic record: Matched Iván Hurtado with 72 games in Conmebol Qualifiers.
• Tie with Ronaldo: 36 goals, trailing only Carlos Ruiz (39).
• Home farewell: Messi’s last official match on Argentine soil in the Qualifiers.

A game for history

The match against Venezuela was more than just a win. Messi took the field knowing it could be his final official appearance at home for the national team. Before the whistle, he was visibly moved during warm-ups and the national anthem, joined by his children on the pitch. The crowd, aware of the moment’s significance, packed the Monumental de Núñez, turning the stadium into a cauldron of support. The first goal came in the first half, with Messi receiving a pass from Julián Álvarez and finishing with finesse, lobbing goalkeeper Romo. In the second half, Lautaro Martínez extended the lead, and Messi sealed the scoreline after a cross from Thiago Almada.

The game reflected Argentina’s dominance in the Qualifiers. With 38 points, the team secured the lead well in advance, ten points ahead of Brazil and Ecuador, tied for second. Venezuela, with 18 points, remains in seventh, vying for a playoff spot. Despite the loss, the Vinotinto showed tactical discipline but lacked effectiveness against Argentina’s solid defense, which conceded only three goals throughout the campaign.

#SelecciónMayor AURA 💫 GOAT pic.twitter.com/ZHBUUGYPUh

— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) September 5, 2025

Records that immortalize Messi

Messi didn’t just shine on the pitch—he wrote new chapters in football history. By taking the field, he matched former Ecuadorian defender Iván Hurtado as the player with the most appearances (72) in South American Qualifiers. If he plays the next game against Ecuador on September 9 in Guayaquil, Messi will become the outright leader with 73 games. Additionally, his two goals placed him alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, with 36 goals, as the second-highest scorer in World Cup Qualifiers history, behind only Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz with 39.

• 72 games: Messi ties Iván Hurtado as Conmebol’s record holder for appearances.
• 36 goals: Matches Cristiano Ronaldo in the global Qualifiers scoring list.
• 40 wins: Messi has 40 victories in Qualifiers, with 14 assists.
• Next target: Overtake Ruiz (39 goals) in the final round against Ecuador.

Messi’s longevity is remarkable. At 38, he maintains impressive stats, with 35 goals and 14 assists in Qualifiers, according to Conmebol data. His ability to decide matches, even in such a demanding competition, cements his status as one of the greatest players ever.

Emotion and uncertainty about the future

The night at the Monumental was steeped in a farewell atmosphere. Messi confirmed that the game against Venezuela was his last official match at home in the Qualifiers, casting doubt on his participation against Ecuador. In a post-match interview, the star was candid about his future: “I don’t know if I’ll play the next World Cup. Logically, given my age, it’s likely I won’t, but I’m excited and motivated. I’m taking it day by day, game by game.” His words reflect uncertainty about the 2026 World Cup, when he’ll be 39, but also the passion that still drives him.

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The number 10 emphasized the love of the Argentine fans, a dream he cherished since his Barcelona days. “Celebrating with my people, in my country, was a dream. For years, I experienced this in Barcelona, but here it’s different, with my own,” he said. The presence of his family, with wife Antonella in the stands and his children on the pitch, made the moment even more special. Argentina, already qualified, now prepares for friendlies and the World Cup, with the possibility of Messi chasing a second World Cup title.

Argentina’s path to 2026

With the lead secured, Argentina faces the game against Ecuador as a chance to cap an impeccable campaign. The team hasn’t lost at home in the Qualifiers since November 2023, when they fell to Uruguay. Their defensive solidity, with just three goals conceded, and an attack led by Messi and young stars like Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez, make the Albiceleste one of the favorites for the 2026 World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The match against Ecuador, at the Monumental Stadium in Guayaquil, will be a key test. Ecuador, with 25 points, is fighting for second place and relies on players like Moisés Caicedo and Félix Torres. Argentina, however, has a favorable record against La Tri, unbeaten at home in the Qualifiers since 2011.

• Absolute lead: Argentina has 38 points, ten ahead of the second-placed team.
• Solid defense: Only three goals conceded in 17 rounds.
• Final game: Faces Ecuador on September 9 at 8 p.m. in Guayaquil.
• Favoritism: Reigning world champions are among the top contenders for 2026.

The rivalry with Ronaldo and Messi’s legacy

The comparison with Cristiano Ronaldo gained a new chapter with their tied goal tally in the Qualifiers. Both with 36 goals, the two stars continue to chase historic marks, even in the twilight of their careers. While Ronaldo aims for qualification with Portugal, Messi has a chance to surpass Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz in the final round. The rivalry, often fueled by fans, is viewed with mutual respect by both players, who have expressed admiration for each other.

Messi, however, transcends numbers. His journey with Argentina, marked by past criticism and recent triumphs, like the 2022 World Cup, makes him a national icon. The possibility of playing a sixth World Cup, a record he’d share with seven others, including Ronaldo, underscores his longevity.

• Tie with Ronaldo: Both have 36 goals in World Cup Qualifiers.
• World Cup record: Messi could be the first to play six World Cups.
• Argentine legacy: Led the 2022 World Cup and 2021 Copa América victories.
• Global impact: Eight Ballon d’Or awards and records in clubs and national team.

What to expect from Messi’s future

Though the Venezuela game was a farewell at home, Messi’s future with Argentina remains open. He hasn’t confirmed his participation in the 2026 World Cup but also hasn’t ruled it out. His physical condition, well-managed at Inter Miami, will be crucial. In 2025, Messi scored two goals in Inter Miami’s win over Los Angeles FC in the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals, proving he still competes at a high level.

Argentine fans dream of a World Cup repeat, a goal Messi also mentioned. “I really want to play the World Cup next year; my goal is to be a two-time world champion,” he said in an April 2025 interview with Simplemente Fútbol. For now, the focus is on the final Qualifiers match against Ecuador, which could mark the end of an era for the number 10 in South American qualifiers.