The South American World Cup Qualifiers are nearing their finish, however for Argentina and Lionel Messi, the job has lengthy been accomplished. Already certified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Albiceleste will host Venezuela on Thursday, September 4, at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental. Whereas the outcome gained’t have an effect on Argentina’s ticket to the event, this conflict carries historic weight: it may very well be Messi’s last official match on Argentine soil.
Argentina’s place on the 2026 World Cup was secured months in the past, giving coach Lionel Scaloni an opportunity to experiment with youthful gamers and construct depth. The roster contains thrilling prospects corresponding to Franco Mastantuono, Nico Paz, and Claudio Echeverri, who may get invaluable minutes alongside veterans.
The distinctive context lies in Messi’s presence. Since Argentina is among the host nations for the 2030 World Cup’s centenary match, the workforce is not going to take part within the subsequent spherical of qualifiers. Which means Thursday’s sport could also be Messi’s final aggressive look in Argentina carrying the nationwide workforce jersey, including a bittersweet ambiance for followers packing the Monumental.
Venezuela’s combat for historical past
For Venezuela, this match is every part. At present sitting on 18 factors and within the playoff zone, La Vinotinto is battling to safe its first-ever World Cup look. Dealing with Argentina and Colombia on this last window, their path stays extraordinarily powerful.
Venezuela has a historic alternative to qualify for the World Cup for the primary time.
Even when Venezuela manages to win each video games, direct qualification is just not assured. Nonetheless, taking all six factors would lock in a minimum of a playoff berth. Their destiny may additionally rely upon Colombia’s conflict with Bolivia, which can shut off Venezuela’s likelihood of direct qualification if Los Cafeteros win.
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Projected Lineups
Argentina: Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Thiago Almada; Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez.
Venezuela: Rafael Romo; Wilker Ángel, Nahuel Ferraresi, Jon Aramburu, Miguel Navarro; José Martínez, Jefferson Savarino, Telasco Segovia, Yeferson Soteldo; Josef Martínez, Salomón Rondón.
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For Argentina, this match is about celebrating its heroes and shaping its future. For Venezuela, it’s a determined bid to maintain the World Cup dream alive. And for followers all over the world, it may very well be the final time to see Lionel Messi play a aggressive match in his residence nation. Kickoff is ready for 7:30 PM ET on Thursday, September 4—a date that will go down as one of the crucial emotional nights in Argentine soccer historical past.
