Lionel Messi will take the field Thursday night at El Monumental in Buenos Aires for what will be his final World Cup qualifying match on home soil when Argentina hosts Venezuela.
It marks the end of an era. For more than two decades, Messi has carried the Albiceleste through the grueling South American qualifying gauntlet, delivering unforgettable moments that culminated in four major international trophies: two Copa América titles, the 2022 World Cup, and the 2022 Finalissima against Italy.
Messi’s milestone moment
Tonight’s matchup will be Messi’s 72nd career World Cup qualifier, and his 45th played in Argentina. While his availability for the final home 2026 World Cup qualifier against Venezuela remains uncertain, this game is widely seen as his farewell to official home qualifiers in the famous sky blue and white.
The Inter Miami star enters the night with a remarkable legacy. Argentina has rarely faltered with Messi at home in qualifying, and the numbers show just how decisive his influence has been.
Argentina dominate on home soil with Messi
Of the 71 qualifiers Messi has played to date, 37 have been in Argentina. In those games, the Albiceleste have won 25 times, drawn 10, and lost only twice. Both defeats came against South American powerhouses: Brazil and Uruguay.
That consistency has made Argentina nearly unbeatable at home during Messi’s tenure, and fans will expect nothing less as he steps onto the Monumental pitch one last time in a qualifier.
Goals, assists and legacy
Messi’s contributions have gone far beyond wins. On Argentine soil, he has tallied 24 goals and 14 assists in World Cup qualifying matches, cementing his place not just as the team’s leader but also as its most reliable offensive weapon.
Against Venezuela, he’ll look to add one final flourish to those stats before closing the book on a chapter that has defined his international career.