Jul 14, 2024; Miami, FL, USA; Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates after winning the Copa America Final against Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

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Lionel Messi Scores Twice in Final Argentina Appearance on Home Soil, Keeps World Cup Door Open in Emotional Farewell

Lionel Messi bid an emotional farewell to Argentina fans on Thursday night as he played what is expected to be his last official match on home soil. The Inter Miami forward scored twice in a 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Venezuela at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Lionel Messi delivered another performance to remember, netting a goal in each half as Argentina cruised to victory.

#SelecciónMayor AURA 💫 GOAT pic.twitter.com/ZHBUUGYPUh
— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) September 5, 2025

The 38-year-old World Cup winner scored a brace, consisting of one brilliant finish in the 38th minute and another late strike into an empty net. As a result, Messi’s mesmerising performance turned the evening into a symbolic send-off as fans in the packed stadium waved flags and sang tributes. The fans savored every touch from their captain, knowing they may never see him again in a competitive match at home.

Lionel Messi Leaves World Cup Future Open

Lionel Messi admitted afterwards that the night carried enormous emotional weight for him. He described it as “a dream to finish this way in front of my people.” The game was also historic for more than sentimental reasons. By featuring in the qualifier, Messi equalled Colombian legend Ivan Hurtado’s record for the most appearances in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers (72), while his goals took him to a record 36 in the South American zone – the highest in history.

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When asked about playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Messi gave a cautious response. After the game, Messi said,

“There are so many emotions, I’ve experienced so many things on this field. It’s always a joy to play in Argentina with our people. We’ve been enjoying match after match for many years. I’m very happy; being able to finish in this way here is what I always dreamed of.”

“Same as I said before about the World Cup that I don’t think I’ll play another. Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won’t make it. But well, we’re almost there, so I’m excited and motivated to play it. Like I always say, I go day by day, match by match. That’s it, taking it day by day, going by how I feel.

“Day by day, trying to feel good and above all, being honest with myself. When I feel good, I enjoy it, but when I don’t, honestly, I don’t have a good time, so I prefer not to be there if I don’t feel good. So we’ll see. I haven’t made a decision about the World Cup.”

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While speculation about his retirement continues, Messi’s double ensured his final home qualifier will be remembered fondly. For Argentina fans, it was both a celebration and a farewell as their hero gave them one last magical performance on home soil.

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Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.