"Argentina have already qualified for next year's World Cup but put a dent in Venezuela's hopes of a first appearance at the major tournament to cap Messi's time in Buenos Aires on a high. Julian Alvarez almost gave the hosts an early lead from Messi's pullback, as he rifled a first-time effort on goal from the edge of the box, but Rafael Romo was equal to it."
"Argentina pushed for a second goal after the break, seeing chances go to waste, as Thiago Almada, under no pressure, sliced a volley well wide of the near post. Messi got his second just four minutes later; he did not need to break stride as he rushed into the box, turning Almada's low cross into the bottom-left corner first time. He was then denied a hat-trick on his send-off, with a lovely chip over Romo ruled out for offside."
Argentina defeated Venezuela 3-0 in Buenos Aires as Lionel Messi scored twice in his final home World Cup qualifier. Messi opened the scoring with a lob in the 39th minute. Lautaro Martinez added a header in the 76th minute from Nico Gonzalez's low cross, and Messi converted a low cross four minutes later. Argentina created the majority of chances, with Messi taking seven of the team's 17 attempts, four on target. Argentina remain top of the CONMEBOL qualifying group, ten points clear of Brazil, while Venezuela stay seventh, seven points behind Paraguay.
Read at Soccer News
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