Uruguay, Paraguay, Colombia have all qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

It is full time and Argentina win the game 3-0 against Venezuela. Messi, Messi chants ring around the stadium as the legend is greeted by players and officials.

Argentina have now scored nine times in the last 15 minutes of the second half. That's more than any other team in these World Cup Qualifiers.

Lionel Messi scores again and it is 3-0 for Argentina! What a move by Argentina and it is Almada who provides the assist this time. He slid through the Venezuela defence to provide the perfect pass to Messi who just had to guide the ball into the empty net.

A swift attack started by Lionel Messi ended with Nico Gonzalez providing a solid cross into the box. Lautaro Martinez was waiting at the perfect position and he headed the ball inside the goal to make it 2-0 for Argentina!

It has been all Argentina in this match but Venezuela with a rare attack. Couple of good touches in the box but the final shot sailed over the goal. Argentina still lead 1-0.

Argentina must been wondering how they are not 2-0 ahead in this game. Lionel Messi had the first chance but his shot was directly at the body of the Venezuela goalkeeper who pulled off an easy save. Messi then turned provider as he set up the perfect chance for Almada but the finish was just not there.

A long-range effort from Mastantuono and it sails over the goal. Argentina have not produced a clear- cut chance in the second half till now but their possession will give them a lot of heart for sure.

Argentina have maintained their momentum in the second half as well with swift attacks from both flanks. Alvarez once again found himself in a good position but a foul brought an end to that attack. However, their performances will surely make Argentina confident of grabbing the second goal.

The second half begins and no changes from both teams. All eyes will once again be on Lionel Messi who will surely look to add to his goals tally.

LIONEL MESSI GOAL
pic.twitter.com/oyxJFA6aZK

— عمرو (@bt3) September 5, 2025

It is half-time and Argentina lead 1-0 against Venezuela. Lionel Messi with the all-important goal and it was exactly what the fans wanted from the legendary footballer.

A perfect pass to Alvarez who dribbled past two defenders and could have easily taken the shot at goal. However, he decided to set it up for his captain as Lionel Messi comfortably lobbed the ball over the goalkeeper's head and into the goal. Argentina lead 1-0 against Venezuela!

Lionel Messi scores and the crowd erupts in celebration! This is what every Argentina fan wanted and Messi has delivered. Stunning scenes!

77 per cent possession after 38 minutes to play - This one stat says it all about the match till now. It has been Argentina all the way with the majority of the chances falling to them. However, their finishing has not been the best and the Venezuela goalkeeper also played a major role in keeping the score 0-0.

A strong shot from Lionel Messi from outside the box but the Venezuela goalkeeper was in perfect position. He kept his calm to deny Messi the goal that he would have loved to score in front of his home crowd. A free kick followed but his shot was not up to the mark this time.

Lionel Messi dribbled past two defenders once again but the shot from Tagliafico was directly at the Venezuela keeper who just had to get down in time and make the crucial save. This is good football from Argentina till now.

A late tackle on De Paul and Cristian Casseres becomes the first player to get a yellow card in this game. Argentina in control but Venezuela have shown flashes of intent till now.

Argentina looking dangerous and they thought they had scored. Christian Romero headed the ball inside the goal from short distance but he had strayed offside. 

A glimpse of Lionel Messi's genius as he dribbled past three players to provide a brilliant pass to Julian Alvarez. The striker did get his shot right but it was saved brilliantly by the Venezuela goalkeeper.

We are underway! An early attack from Venezuela but the Argentina defence was able to handle it well. Fiery start to this game.

A huge ovation from the fans! It is all about Lionel Messi tonight. Argentina have already booked their spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and tonight is all about celebrating one of the greatest footballers that the world has ever seen.

Lionel Messi could not control himself during warm-ups as he got emotional due to the overwhelming support on the ground. This is probably the last time that he will be playing in front of his home crowd and it is a huge occasion for both him and football in Argentina.

Romo, Navarro, Angel, Ferraresi, Navarro, Rincon, Casseres Jr., Aramburu, Savarino, Rondon, Bello

Here’s tonight’s starting XI to face Venezuela!pic.twitter.com/qQcc9HLXqi

— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) September 4, 2025

Good news for all football fans as Lionel Messi will be starting the game for Argentina. A momentous occasion and something that the fans will possibly never forget as the legend may not play a World Cup qualifier in Argentina ever again.

Hello and welcome to the live coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier between Argentina and Venezuela. A huge game in the context of Argentina fans as this can be the last time that Lionel Messi can be playing on home soil.