Messi hits brace as Argentina crush Venezuela in World Cup qualifier

Argentina extended their remarkable defensive run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, recording their 11th clean sheet in 12 games with a 3-0 victory over Venezuela at the Estadio Monumental.

The result also underlined Venezuela’s unfortunate record as the only CONMEBOL nation never to have reached football’s biggest stage.

Flashscore reports that the night carried special significance as Lionel Messi, accompanied by his three sons, possibly led Argentina out for the last time on home soil.

Coach Lionel Scaloni made a notable change by handing Franco Mastantuano his first senior start at the same stadium where the youngster first made his name.

Venezuela almost stunned the world champions within 15 seconds through a clever kick-off routine, but Argentina quickly seized control.

Julián Álvarez tested goalkeeper Rafael Romo early, and Cristian Romero thought he had opened the scoring before the offside flag intervened.

At the other end, Salomón Rondón battled tirelessly against Romero and veteran Nicolás Otamendi, who may also have played his final home international.

Argentina’s pressure eventually paid of just before half-time. Álvarez broke forward and squared for Messi, who chipped calmly over Romo for his 113th international goal, sparking huge celebrations.

Thiago Almada nearly doubled the lead in added time, but Romo’s fine save kept Venezuela in the contest.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Venezuela dropped into a back five, but Álvarez and Messi continued to carve out chances, with Romo producing his sixth save to deny Nico González.

Batista’s side briefly grew into the game around the hour mark, but substitutes Lautaro Martínez and Exequiel Palacios swung momentum back to the hosts. With his very first touch, Martínez pounced to score Argentina’s second.

As Venezuela tired, Messi struck again, this time finishing Almada’s precise cut-back with trademark composure.

The captain thought he had capped the night with a hat-trick near the 90th minute, but the offside flag spoiled the moment.

The win further cements Argentina’s dominance over La Vinotinto, with 25 victories in 30 meetings, alongside just three draws and two defeats.