In tears? Lionel Messi emotional before potentially his final World Cup qualifier in Argentina - Watch

Lionel Messi picked up a brace in what might be his final World Cup qualifier at home, helping Argentina secure a 3-0 win against Venezuela in Buenos Aires.Messi walked into the Ms Monumental stadium alongside his children, receiving a standing ovation from over 80,000 fans. He showed visible emotion and tears while lining up with the Albiceleste for what many believe could be his last competitive match in Argentina.The first goal came in the 39th minute through a play involving Julian Alvarez. After entering the Venezuelan penalty area, Alvarez chose to pass across goal to Messi, who finished with his left foot, prompting enthusiastic celebrations from flag-waving supporters."It's going to be a very special game for me because it's the last one in the qualifying round. I don't know if there will be friendlies or more games after that," Messi said in a postgame interview with Apple TV after Inter Miami's Leagues Cup semifinal win against Orlando City on August 27.The match held special significance beyond qualification, even though Argentina had already secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.Messi shared emotional moments with his children before and after the match, making the evening both a celebration and potential farewell on home soil.Watch:"It's going to be a very, very special match for me because it's the last qualifying match. I don't know if there will be friendlies or more matches after [Venezuela], but it is a very special match, so my family will be there with me: my wife, my children, my parents, my siblings. We're going to live it like that. I don't know what will happen next."Tributes poured in from across Argentina and beyond, with CONMEBOL sharing a pre-game photo of Messi captioned "The last dance is coming.""Yes, this is a match which Leo has said will be emotional, special, nice because it's true that it's our last qualifying match. More than anyone, I will enjoy it. Having been able to coach him has honestly been a pleasure, and let's hope that fans who go to the stadium will also enjoy it because he truly deserves it," said national coach Lionel Scaloni.While Messi hasn't officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 World Cup, which would mark his sixth appearance, he has hinted this campaign could be his last with the national team.The emotional atmosphere in Buenos Aires was heightened by uncertainty about Messi's future. Fans decorated the stadium with flags and murals while singing tributes.Franco Mastantuono made his first international start at River Plate's Monumental. The Real Madrid youngster showed promise, connecting with Messi early in the game before Julián Álvarez tested goalkeeper Rafael Romo.Mastantuono's performance included 69 touches, eight passes into the final third, and 86% passing accuracy during his hour-long appearance. He completed five out of six long balls, made two recoveries, and drew one foul.Messi opened the scoring in the 39th minute, converting Álvarez's assist with a precise finish over Romo for his 113th international goal.Argentina strengthened their control after halftime. Lautaro Martínez scored the second goal with a header from Nicolás González's cross, following a quick Messi free-kick. Thiago Almada then set up Messi's second goal of the night.Nico Paz, a La Fabrica graduate now playing in Serie A, entered for the final 10 minutes and completed all seven of his attempted passes.The match ended 3-0, reflecting Argentina's dominance over a Venezuela team that failed to register a shot on target.