The Argentine has reached 36 goals and ties for second place in the all-time scoring charts heading into the World Cup. 
Lionel Messi shone again in Argentina 's jersey , and he did so in a special context: his final match in the South American Qualifiers . The Albiceleste captain scored two goals in the 3-0 victory over Venezuela, achieving a record that places him among the world's elite in qualifying.
With this brace, the Rosario star reached 36 goals in qualifying matches, equaling the record held by Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo . The two now share second place in the all-time scoring rankings in this type of competition.
The only player who surpasses Messi and Cristiano is Guatemalan Carlos Ruiz, who holds the record with 39 goals in World Cup qualifiers. This leaves the Argentine just three goals away from equaling the top spot in the table, a record that could remain unattainable if it is confirmed that this was his last qualifying match.
The victory over Venezuela not only represented a new achievement for Lionel Scaloni's team, but also another milestone in Messi's extraordinary career. In addition to his 36 goals in qualifying, he has an international career that maintains him as one of the most influential footballers in history.
WCQ Shooters Top 5
1. Carlos Ruiz, 39 goals - Guatemala
2. Messi (+2 hoy), 36 goals - Argentina
3. Cristiano, 36 goals - Portugal
4. Ali Daei, 35 goals - Iran
5. Lewandowski, 31 goals - Poland