Lionel Messi delivered a fairytale finish in what he confirmed was his final World Cup qualifier on home turf, scoring twice as Argentina eased past Venezuela 3-0 in Buenos Aires on Thursday.

The 38-year-old captain, who has not yet announced when he plans to retire, told fans this would be his last qualifier on Argentine soil. And he made sure to sign off in style, netting in both halves and reminding the world why he is still the heart of the reigning champions.

Messi opened the scoring in the 39th minute, smashing Julian Alvarez’s pass into the top corner. Lautaro Martinez doubled the lead with a diving header in the 76th minute before Messi struck again just four minutes later, set up by Thiago Almada.

“Being able to finish this way here with my people is what I always dreamed of,” Messi said, visibly emotional. “For many years, I had the affection of Barcelona fans, and my dream was to have it here in my country too.”

Argentina, already qualified for the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico, tops the South American table with 38 points. Venezuela remain seventh, clinging to hopes of reaching the intercontinental playoff.

Elsewhere in South American qualifiers:

• Brazil beat Chile 3-0 at the Maracanã, moving into second place.
• Uruguay also won 3-0 against Peru to go third.
• Ecuador and Paraguay drew 0-0, with Paraguay sealing their first World Cup appearance in 16 years.
• Colombia cruised past Bolivia 3-0, securing its spot at the tournament.

Messi, who holds the record with 36 goals in South American qualifiers, admitted the thought of retirement is never far. “It’s not something I like, want or expect. But time is passing, and it’s been many years,” he said.