Lionel Messi Paid Tribute to Argentina Fans

Lionel Messi paid tribute to the Argentina fans in his last home game before the World Cup final in November and said the huge support in his 3-0 win over Venezuela was key to keeping his happiness alive.

“I didn’t expect anything less of people, of the union between the Argentina public and this team,” Messi said after the win at Boca Juniors’ Bombonera stadium.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has struggled at Paris Saint Germain since signing from Barcelona in August 2021, but he's as sharp as ever against a poor Venezuelan side and the adoration of the home audience is evident.

He made several unsuccessful free-kick attempts outside the box but ended up scoring the third, a strange kick just a meter from goal. 

Messi picked up a pass from Angel Di Maria and although he didn't connect cleanly, it was enough to beat the diving Venezuelan goalkeeper.

The 82nd-minute goal came after earlier efforts from Nicolas Gonzalez and Di Maria, whose clever play and passes opened up a stifling Venezuelan backline. 

Argentina was one of four South American teams to qualify for the Qatar finals, along with Brazil, Ecuador and Uruguay. The final round of qualifying, next Tuesday will decide whether Peru, Colombia or Chile advance to the knockout round against an Asian team.