Lionel Messi etched his name in football history with a record-breaking performance during an emotional FIFA World Cup qualifier between Argentina and Venezuela on Friday in Buenos Aires. With Argentina already qualified for 2026 World Cup, the pressure was off but Messi delivered a stellar performance,
At 38, Messi continues to defy his age and expectations. In the match against Venezuela he equaled the long standing record of Colombia’s Ivan Hurtado for most appearances in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers which is 72.
Messi was seen visibly emotional and earlier he even described this match against Venezuela as a “very special clash.”
Seeing Lionel Messi cry makes me cry ngl 😢
— MC (@CrewsMat10) September 4, 2025
Messi please don’t retire 😭
pic.twitter.com/7w00h11XFC
The Argentina star was successful in finding the net in the first half of the match and added a second goal after the break, he completed a brace in front of the charged up crowd. Messi now holds the record of most goals scored in South American World Cup qualifiers – with 36 goals.
Also Read: When Is Lionel Messi Coming To India? Here’s All You Need To Know About His Upcoming Visit
¡GOOOL DE ARGENTINA! 🇦🇷 Una caricia de Paredes, el pase de Julián y una definición de Messi para cerrar el estadio 🏟️
— telefe (@telefe) September 5, 2025
39' PT | 🇦🇷 ARGENTINA 1 – 0 VENEZUELA 🇻🇪
#ArgentinaXTelefe en https://t.co/S24R6EWDr8 con @giraltpablo, @jpvarsky y @sofimmartinez pic.twitter.com/lndX1BThvR
There has been a growing speculation that this could be Messi’s last home game and with the future matches scheduled abroad, and no tournaments in Argentina anytime soon, the crowd might have witnessed Messi’s last match on home soil.
