Lionel Messi was quite excited about the possible last match in the World Cup qualifiers at home. He appeared at the Estadio Monumental today (Friday) with his entire family. He even got a little teary-eyed when he received the greetings of the audience. Then he completed his great performance with a pair of goals in the main match. This is how the World Cup-winning superstar planned to color his special match. In addition, Argentina defeated Venezuela 3-0 with a goal from Lautaro Martinez.
Messi stepped onto the field in Buenos Aires with a wide smile. He was seen quite emotional with his teammates even during the warm-up and national anthem. Shortly after, the audience’s applause and loud welcome changed the scene and brought tears of joy to Messi’s eyes. At the end of the match, the fans and supporters celebrated the victory with the flashing lights and there was an explosion of intense excitement surrounding Messi’s special match. Standing near the gallery, LM Ten responded by waving his hand.
Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni showered his favorite disciple with praise the day before. At the same time, he also expressed his hope to end the match with another special match at home. Leaving that in the hands of time, the star forward showed the way the coach wants to see Messi. The host’s blue and white jerseys dominated the match. Along with 77 percent ball possession, Messi-Alvarez-Almadara took 17 shots, 9 of which were on target. In contrast, Venezuela could not put a single one of its 5 shots on target.
Argentina could have taken the lead in just the fourth minute of the match. Cristian Romero headed the ball into the net after receiving a cross from Franco Mastantuono. However, he was ruled offside. After a fast-paced 15 minutes, Argentina slowed down a bit. In the 21st minute, Venezuelan goalkeeper Romo blocked a shot from Nicolas Tagliafico. After that, they had to wait until the 38th minute to break the deadlock in the match. Leandro Paredes took advantage of the opponent’s loss of control of the ball. His extended ball was controlled by Julián Alvarez with great speed.
The Atletico Madrid star entered the box and gently passed the ball to Messi between the two. He extended his long legs, slowed the ball down, and chipped it over the goalkeeper’s head into the net. As a result, Argentina went into the break with the lead. After 60 minutes of the second half, Messi took the shot after a one-two with Rodrigo de Paul. He was frustrated by the Venezuelan goalkeeper. The world champions then pressed their opponents even more. Their second goal came thanks to two substitutes, Nico Gonzalez and Lautaro Martinez.
Lautaro Martinez got on the scoresheet in the second minute of his appearance. Nico crossed into the box with his left foot, Lautaro doubled the lead with a header. Messi created the scoring opportunity four minutes later. He received a pass from Thiago Almada in the box and coolly finished it through a few people. Messi, the top scorer for the Argentina national team, scored his 114th goal.
Messi had also scored a hat-trick a couple of minutes before the referee’s final whistle. But the offside rule held him back this time. This could have been a rare goal for the Inter Miami superstar’s header. But the Venezuelan goalkeeper was in front of him when he headed it. Messi had crossed the offside line long before. However, the celebration of his special match began even before that, as Argentina won with two goals.
FAQ
What was the final score between Argentina and Venezuela?
Argentina defeated Venezuela 3-0 in the World Cup qualifier match.
How many goals did Lionel Messi score in the match?
Lionel Messi scored two goals, including Argentina’s opener and the third goal of the night.
Who scored the other goal for Argentina?
Lautaro Martinez scored the second goal, assisted by substitute Nico Gonzalez.
Why was this match special for Lionel Messi?
It was possibly Messi’s last World Cup qualifier at home, and he shared the moment with his family and fans.
