The atmosphere at the Estadio Monumental was as heavy with emotion as the air over Núñez, when Lionel Messi once again dressed as a hero. Fans held their breath in what felt like a farewell match, and it was Messi who delivered the perfect ending—scoring a double filled with both national and personal history.

How did that unforgettable goal arrive?

The goal came in the 38th minute against Venezuela, the product of a memorable connection. With the Vinotinto defense in disarray, Leandro Paredes threaded a brilliant pass to Julián Álvarez, who laid it off for Messi to finish with no hesitation. It was a strike stamped with his trademark: clinical precision. In what could be his final goal in Qualifiers played on home soil, Messi once again etched his name in history.

And the second goal?

In the 80th minute, to bring the celebration to its peak, the genius of world football sealed his brace with a finish into an empty net, bidding farewell in grand fashion on a night that will be forever remembered by the fans.

What is the sporting and emotional weight of this double?

This match marked his 72nd World Cup Qualifier appearance for Argentina, his 45th on home soil. Messi’s record in Argentina is staggering: 39 wins, 10 draws, and just 2 defeats, with 25 goals and 14 assists when playing in front of his own crowd.

The strike carries a bittersweet nostalgia, as it may stand as his last in Qualifiers at the Monumental. On this sacred pitch, Messi has now scored 18 goals in 28 matches, remaining undefeated and extending a streak of 12 straight home games without a loss since 2015.

What will this moment mean for the fans?

More than just a goal, it was a postcard of pure emotion. Messi, with his unmatched elegance, lifted the Monumental one more time as if he knew—it was his footballing home, his talisman. Fans sang, cameras caught tears, and the No. 10 left the pitch to thunderous applause, after delivering a goal against Venezuela that will be remembered as both a farewell and a celebration.