Argentina vs Venezuela watch live Lionel Messi Brace Seals 3-0 Win in World Cup Qualifier
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Argentina 3-0 Venezuela – Messi Steals the Show
The Argentina vs Venezuela World Cup qualifier ended 3-0 in favor of the Albiceleste, thanks to a Lionel Messi brace and a late strike from Lautaro Martinez. The win secured Argentina’s dominance in CONMEBOL qualifying, while Venezuela’s playoff hopes now hang by a thread.
Messi’s goals — his 113th and 114th for Argentina — came in the 39th and 80th minutes, with Julián Álvarez and Thiago Almada playing vital roles in the buildup. Martinez added Argentina’s second in the 76th minute, pouncing on service from Nico González.
For fans, this game was more than just three points. It may well have been Messi’s last competitive match on home soil in Argentina colors — making the night even more emotional.
Venezuela’s World Cup Dream in Danger
For Venezuela, the defeat was a setback at the worst possible time. Sitting seventh in the CONMEBOL standings, they are barely holding onto the inter-confederation playoff spot with 18 points, just one point ahead of Bolivia.
La Vinotinto now face Colombia in a decisive final match. A win could secure their playoff ticket, but anything less might open the door for Bolivia to leapfrog them. The stakes couldn’t be higher for a nation still chasing its first-ever World Cup appearance.
Match Atmosphere and Tactical Notes
From the opening whistle, Argentina dominated possession, pressing high and forcing Venezuela to defend deep. Rodrigo De Paul controlled the midfield, spreading passes wide to González and Ángel Di María, who constantly stretched the Venezuelan defense.
Venezuela’s best chance came early in the second half, when Darwin Machís forced Emiliano Martínez into a sharp save. But their inability to convert opportunities left them exposed. Against a team stacked with attacking talent, mistakes were always going to be punished.
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The introduction of Lautaro Martinez proved decisive, giving Argentina fresh legs and sharp movement inside the penalty area. Paired with Messi, Argentina’s attack looked unstoppable.
Venezuela’s Hopes Take a Hit
While Argentina cruised, Venezuela’s qualification path grew more complicated. Currently sitting seventh with 18 points, La Vinotinto must now focus on defeating Colombia in their final match, while keeping an eye on Bolivia, who trail them by just one point.
How to Watch Argentina vs Venezuela Live
- Kickoff: 7:30 pm ET, Thursday
- Venue: Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires
- TV: Universo
- Streaming: Peacock, Fubo — Argentina vs Venezuela watch live
CONMEBOL World Cup 2026 Qualification Table (Sept 3, 2025)
- Argentina – 35 pts (+19) ✅ Qualified
- Ecuador – 25 pts (+8) ✅ Qualified
- Brazil – 25 pts (+5) ✅ Qualified
- Uruguay – 24 pts (+7)
- Paraguay – 24 pts (+4)
- Colombia – 22 pts (+4)
- Venezuela – 18 pts (-4)
- Bolivia – 17 pts (-16)
- Peru – 12 pts (-11)
- Chile – 10 pts (-15)
Argentina vs Venezuela Prediction
Looking ahead, Argentina appear unstoppable heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With Messi still scoring freely and younger stars stepping up, their squad depth is unmatched.
Venezuela, however, face a must-win against Colombia. Anything less could see their World Cup dream end. Prediction: Argentina 3-1 Venezuela.
