In the 17th round of the 2026 World Cup South American qualifiers, Argentina, at home, defeated Venezuela 3-0 with two goals from Messi and a goal from Lautaro.

Four minutes into the match, Argentina made a pass, and Alvarez took the lead and shot, but it was blocked by Venezuelan goalkeeper Romo. In the fifth minute, Argentina took a corner kick, and Romero headed the ball into the goal from inside the penalty area, but the goal was disallowed due to offside.

In the 12th minute, Venezuela attempted a counterattack. Cáceres, who was outside the penalty area, received the ball and fired a long shot that went wide. In the 16th minute, De Paul was kicked in the foot by Cáceres while passing the ball, and the referee subsequently issued Cáceres with a yellow card. In the 23rd minute, Messi fell to the ground during an attack, then stood up and passed the ball. Tagliafico, who recovered the ball in the scramble, shot low, but was blocked by Venezuelan goalkeeper Romo.

In the 26th minute, Messi received a cross from his teammate near the top of the penalty area and fired a long shot, but the shot was too straight and was directly blocked by Venezuelan goalkeeper Romo. In the 39th minute, Alvarez entered the penalty area and passed the ball to Messi, who shot it in after receiving it, giving Argentina a 1-0 lead.

In the 44th minute, Almada received a pass from his teammate in the penalty area and shot a volley. Venezuelan goalkeeper Romo immediately flew to save the ball.

In the 56th minute of the second half, Mastantono received the ball, shook off the defense and shot from long range, but the ball went over the post. In the 61st minute, Argentina's attack was cleared, and Messi received a teammate's header and pushed the ball, but it was blocked by Venezuelan goalkeeper Romo.

In the 76th minute, Messi made a long pass, Nicolas Gonzalez received the ball and passed it back from the penalty area. Lautaro seized the opportunity and headed the ball into the goal, helping Argentina extend its lead to 2-0. In the 80th minute, Almada entered the penalty area and passed it back. Messi took advantage of the opportunity and shot low to score, helping Argentina extend its lead to 3-0.

In the 88th minute, Messi received a pass from De Paul and shot the ball into the empty goal, but the goal was ruled invalid because he was offside.

In the end, Argentina defeated Venezuela 3-0 at home.