It’s been a dream for every footballer to score in their last game at home. But a very few can fulfill their dream and Lionel Messi, the Greatest of All Time, has made it. Argentina have played their last home game before the FIFA World Cup 2026, and it is expected that Lionel Messi won’t play after the World Cup. So when Argentina welcomed Venezuela today, the entire stadium was packed to bid a great farewell to their superstar.
Messi also did not disappoint his fans as he scored two brilliant goals in his final home game. It could be a hat-trick for Messi, but his third goal was disallowed due to offside. Argentina broke the deadlock when Lionel Messi scored a fantastic goal in the 39th minute with the help of Julian Alvarez.
After the break, Lautaro Martinez doubled the lead as he found the back of the net in the 76th minute after coming off the bench. Then Messi completed his brace and made the scoreline 3-0 in the 80th minute, thanks to Almada’s clever pass towards Messi.
But apart from the result, Messi made everyone emotional. The superstar said, “Being able to finish this way here is what I’ve always dreamed of. Being able to be with my people… For many years, I felt affection in Barcelona, and I still do… My dream was to have it here in my country, with my people.
Messi was heavily criticized for not winning a trophy for Argentina. Messi lost three finals, including one World Cup final, between 2014 and 2016. And critics always wanted to blame Messi for not winning any trophy for his national team, yet Messi delivered and won every possible trophy for Argentina – from Copa America, Finalissima to World Cup.
Messi said, “For many years, many things were said, but I’m left with all the good things, with the group that tried and failed to win. It was given to me and to some of those from that group.”
Messi was also asked about whether he will participate in the next World Cup, which is only nine months away. He replied, “The same thing I said at the time. The most logical thing was that I wouldn’t make it. But well, we’re there now, I’m excited, eager, but as I’ve always said, I take it day by day, game by game. When I feel good, I enjoy it. If I’m not there, the truth is I have a bad time, I prefer not to be there.”
