Argentina pays tribute to Messi with emotional farewell
The legendary Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires was packed with 85,018 spectators to bid farewell to Messi in his final official match of the World Cup qualifiers at home. During the warm-up, Messi burst into tears due to the overwhelming affection of his home fans.
Messi scores twice in final World Cup qualifier at home in Argentina
Photo: Reuters
He responded with a stunning brace and a goal from Lautaro Martinez, helping Argentina beat Venezuela 3-0. This also helped Albiceleste dominate the top spot in the 2026 World Cup qualifying round in South America with 38 points, 10 points ahead of rivals Brazil with just one match left to play.
"This match marks the end of an era. For more than two decades, Messi has led the Albiceleste through South America's difficult World Cup qualifying, delivering unforgettable moments, culminating in four major international titles. These are the two Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, the 2022 World Cup and the Finalissima (Intercontinental Super Cup) final victory over Italy with a score of 3-0 in June 2022," Spanish newspaper AS expressed.
The win over Venezuela was also Messi's 72nd career match in World Cup qualifying, and his 45th match on Argentine soil.
Of the 72 World Cup qualifiers Messi has played so far, 38 have come at home. Of those games, the Albiceleste have won 26, drawn 10 and lost just twice. Both losses have come against South America’s strongest opponents, Brazil and Uruguay.
Argentina fans have more reason to regret as Messi is gradually closing a chapter full of glory, records and unforgettable moments.
Photo: Reuters
This consistency has helped Argentina go virtually unbeaten at home under Messi, and fans will expect nothing less when he steps onto the Monumental for the final time in a World Cup qualifier.
In response to the admiration for him, Messi continued to show his unique qualities with a double goal, and led the scoring list in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America with 8 goals, surpassing his junior Luis Diaz of the Colombian team with 7 goals.
According to coach Scaloni, Messi can still participate in the next match of the Argentina team in the away match against Ecuador on September 10 to end the qualifying campaign.
After that, Argentina fans will only be able to watch Messi from afar in matches abroad until the 2026 World Cup next summer, when Messi will likely have a real farewell to his glorious international career.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/messi-ghi-cu-dup-trong-tran-dau-cuoi-vong-loai-world-cup-cdv-argentina-cang-tiec-nuoi-185250905090758365.htm
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