Complete victory 3-0! Messi scored two home games to tie Ronaldo, 80,000 fans witnessed the departure of the King of Football

7:30 on September 5, in the 17th round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Argentina defeated Venezuela 3-0 at the Monument Stadium, and secured a spot in the World Cup in advance. The 38-year-old Messi scored twice, scoring 36 goals in the World Cup, tied for Ronaldo to tie for second in history. This game is also his home match for the World Cup qualifiers. In the 39th minute, Alvarez broke into the penalty area on the right and made a selfless pass. Messi scored a light shot, breaking the deadlock for Argentina. In the 80th minute, Almada ran 40 meters and then returned. Messi pushed the empty goal and completed a double hit, locking the score at 3-0. During this period, Lautaro also contributed a header. Argentina's ball possession rate exceeded 80% in the game, and completely suppressed his opponent on both ends of offense and defense.

80,000 fans gathered at the Monument Stadium, holding up the "Gracias, Leo" banner before the game, and sang "Muchachos" together to pay tribute after the game. Messi was celebrating with both hands, and the scene of the white-haired fans in the stands touching their hearts. After the game, Messi admitted: "It is my dream to end the home World Cup qualifiers in this way."

Currently, Messi's World Cup qualifiers are second only to Carlos Ruiz (39 goals), and the total number of goals scored for Argentina has risen to 113, and the record of scoring for Argentina for 20 consecutive years is still continuing. Argentina will challenge Ecuador in the last round away game, and Messi is likely to be absent.