Lionel Messi will step onto the sector on the Estadio Monumental this Thursday for his thirteenth profession assembly with Venezuela, a match that might carry historic significance. Whereas Argentina has already certified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada, this recreation might mark Messi’s closing World Cup qualifier performed on dwelling soil.
All through his profession, Messi has loved a commanding document towards La Vinotinto. Since his first conflict again in 2007, the Argentine captain has confronted Venezuela 12 occasions, with a document of eight wins, three attracts, and only one defeat.
That journey has delivered a number of iconic moments:
- His first aim in Caracas (2007), which set the tone for his rivalry with Venezuela.
- The 4-0 win on the Monumental in 2009, the place Messi debuted Argentina’s legendary No. 10 jersey.
- A decisive penalty in a 3-0 victory in 2013.
- His stellar efficiency on the 2016 Copa América Centenario, scoring as soon as and offering two assists in a 4-1 triumph.
Even the bodily battles have been remembered, such because the onerous foul he suffered in Caracas in 2021, throughout a 3-1 Argentina win. In complete, Messi has scored 5 objectives towards Venezuela in his profession.
The final match between Argentina and Venezuela ended 1–1 in Caracas.
A aim drought looming over the captain
Regardless of his historic dominance, Messi enters Thursday’s match underneath the shadow of a aim drought. His final aim for Argentina got here on October 2024, when he scored a hat trick towards Bolivia on the Monumental. Since then, 324 days have handed with no aim for his nationwide crew.
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This drought, induced partially by accidents that sidelined him towards Uruguay and Brazil, has turn out to be the fourth-longest of his Argentina profession. If he fails to attain towards Venezuela, it’ll climb to the third-longest streak with no aim. For context, his worst drought got here between the 2006 World Cup and a 2007 pleasant, lasting 354 days.
