Argentina vs. Venezuela: The night that confirmed the Argentine qualification
The Argentine national team, led by Lionel Scaloni, defeated Venezuela 3-0 at the Monumental Stadium and secured their qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a controlled and uneventful performance. Lionel Messi scored twice and Lautaro Martínez added the third in what was La Pulga's last home game of these qualifiers.
With this victory, the Albiceleste reached 38 points and mathematically secured the top spot in the Qualifiers, with Brazil trailing by ten points. There will be one match remaining to complete the phase, but they will no longer depend on results from outsiders.
Goals and control: the national team dominated the night in an emotional farewell at home.
Argentina set the pace from the start and created their first dangerous chance through offensive pressure that left De Arrascaeta and company close to the opponent's goal. The opening goal came in the 39th minute with a collective move that ended with Messi finishing off Julián Álvarez's assist; the goal turned the tide and gave the home side some peace of mind.
Venezuela tried to respond with quick transitions and crosses, and had the help of goalkeeper Romo on several occasions, but lacked the depth to consistently trouble goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.
Lionel Messi: the tribute in goals
Messi once again emerged in the decisive moments: he opened the scoring with a finish that combined calm and precision, and later sealed the rout with another goal following a collective effort. His performance was Argentina's attacking linchpin, and the Monumental fans gave him a heartfelt ovation in his home game.
The captain's two goals not only served to extend the lead, but also consolidated the Albiceleste's territorial dominance and allowed for rotations in the second half.
Lautaro Martínez and offensive effectiveness
Lautaro Martínez completed the scoring with a header from Nicolás González's cross, taking advantage of the pressure and the space left by the Vinotinto. The forward played a role in closing down plays in the box and gaining space in the air, a technique that proved decisive in the third goal.
The attackers' mobility and connections on the wings allowed Scaloni's team to secure a comfortable lead and control the clock until the final whistle.
2026 Qualifiers: Impact on the Table and Regional Outlook
Argentina's victory left Venezuela with no chance of fighting for a direct ticket: the Vinotinto team was virtually eliminated, remaining on 12 points after Colombia's victory over Bolivia in Barranquilla. The Albiceleste, meanwhile, will travel to Ecuador confident of a clear lead and assured of a World Cup spot.
The remaining schedule features matches with different meanings: Argentina will close out the season against Chile and have the opportunity to round out its campaign, while Venezuela will look to smaller goals and rebuild its sporting project.
