Argentina is experiencing a wave of emotion and anticipation in Buenos Aires, where Lionel Messi plays his final official match for the national team on home soil against Venezuela on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 8:30 p.m. at the Monumental de Núñez stadium. The match, part of the South American World Cup Qualifiers, marks not only the farewell of one of the world’s greatest football idols in front of the local crowd but also the potential debut as a starter of 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono, seen as a major promise in Argentine football. With Argentina already qualified, coach Lionel Scaloni is using the opportunity to test new talents, while Venezuela fights for crucial points to reach the playoff spot. The chilly 13-degree weather in the Argentine capital contrasts with the fervor of the fans, who pack the stadium to honor Messi.
Thousands of supporters, many from cities like Rosario, Córdoba, and Tucumán, traveled to Buenos Aires to witness the match, which carries unique emotional weight. Messi’s presence, at 38 years old, is celebrated as a historic milestone, with chants echoing through the Monumental. The game also symbolizes a generational transition, with young players like Mastantuono and Nico Paz gaining prominence in the world champion squad.
- Game significance: Messi’s last official match in Argentina.
- New talents: Scaloni tests youngsters like Mastantuono and Nico Paz.
- Mobilized fans: Supporters from various Argentine provinces fill the stadium.
Tribute to a legend at the Monumental
The Monumental de Núñez stadium, home of River Plate, is set for an unforgettable night. The Argentine crowd, known for its passion, has turned the venue into a cauldron of emotions, with flags, chants, and banners dedicated to Lionel Messi. The player, who won the 2022 World Cup and the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, is regarded as a national symbol. His record with the national team includes 108 goals in 187 matches, making him Argentina’s all-time top scorer.
The fan mobilization reflects the moment’s significance. Many supporters, such as those from Rosario, Messi’s hometown, say this is their first time watching the national team live. The presence of entire families, including children wearing number 10 jerseys, underscores Messi’s cultural impact in the country.
- Record attendance: Over 70,000 fans expected at the Monumental.
- Messi’s record: 108 goals for Argentina, the nation’s top scorer.
- Regional mobilization: Fans from provinces like Santa Fé and Córdoba traveled for the game.
- Family emotion: Messi brought his family to share the moment.
Rise of Franco Mastantuono
The potential debut of Franco Mastantuono as a starter is one of the match’s major highlights. The 18-year-old, developed in River Plate’s youth academy, has already shone at the Monumental, scoring a stunning free-kick goal against Boca Juniors in April 2025. His meteoric rise led him to Real Madrid, where he debuted in August this year and has played three matches. Scaloni sees the player as a promising talent capable of joining the attack alongside Messi and Julián Álvarez.
Mastantuono debuted for the national team in June against Chile, becoming the youngest player to represent Argentina at 17 years and 296 days. His versatility, dribbling skills, and game vision make him a key prospect for the team’s future. The Argentine coach noted that the decision to start him depends on the tactical setup, but the opportunity is seen as a milestone in the squad’s renewal.
- Record age: Mastantuono is the youngest to debut for Argentina.
- Real Madrid journey: Three matches played since August 2025.
- River Plate roots: Standout in the club’s youth system.
- Midfield competition: Nico Paz also vies for a spot.
Scaloni’s strategy for the future
Lionel Scaloni, Argentina’s coach since 2018, is capitalizing on the team’s secured World Cup qualification to experiment with new names. The absence of Enzo Fernández, suspended, and Alexis Mac Allister, sidelined due to a delayed flight, opened opportunities for youngsters like Mastantuono and Nico Paz. Argentina, which dominated the Qualifiers with 11 wins in 14 matches, is now focused on building a competitive squad for the next World Cup cycle.
Scaloni has been alternating tactical formations, testing players like Thiago Almada, who has become a key figure in the attack, and Nico González, who may see minutes in the match. The strategy balances experience, with veterans like Messi and Ángel Di María (absent today), and youth, with players who could lead Argentina in 2026.
- Secured qualification: Argentina leads the Qualifiers with 35 points.
- Tactical tests: Scaloni experiments with formations featuring young players.
- Key absences: Fernández suspended and Mac Allister out of the game.
- Focus on renewal: Players like Almada and Paz gain prominence.
Venezuela’s expectations for the match
While Argentina celebrates Messi and tests youngsters, Venezuela sees the game as a critical opportunity. The Vinotinto, which has never qualified for a World Cup, is fighting for a playoff spot. With 12 points in 14 matches, the team needs a win away from home to keep their hopes alive for the 2026 World Cup.
Coach Fernando Batista is banking on players like Yeferson Soteldo and Salomón Rondón to surprise Argentina. Despite the home team’s favoritism, Venezuela has shown competitiveness in past matches, such as a 1-1 draw against Brazil in 2023. The Argentine crowd, however, expects the night to be dominated by Messi’s brilliance and Mastantuono’s promising debut.
- Venezuela’s goal: Points to reach the playoff.
- Team highlights: Soteldo and Rondón lead the Venezuelan attack.
- Challenging history: Venezuela has never beaten Argentina in Qualifiers.
- Strategic approach: Vinotinto aims to exploit counterattacks.
Atmosphere and emotion at the stadium
The 13-degree cold in Buenos Aires does not dampen the fans’ enthusiasm. Since early in the day, the area around the Monumental de Núñez has been filled with supporters waving flags, wearing national team jerseys, and holding signs honoring Messi. The presence of fans from other provinces reinforces the event’s national significance, with many traveling long distances to attend.
The match organization has prepared several tributes to Messi, including videos on the stadium’s screens highlighting his career. The expectation is that the player will receive a special ovation before and after the game, regardless of the result. For Argentines, the match is more than a points contest: it’s a celebration of an era defined by the talent of one of football’s greatest players.
- Planned tributes: Videos and banners dedicated to Messi.
- Engaged fans: Supporters from across the country traveled to Buenos Aires.
- Festive atmosphere: Chants and flags dominate the Monumental.
- Historic event: Messi’s final official match at home.
