Buenos Aires, Argentina
Argentina’s Lionel Messi, right, celebrates with Julian Alvarez after scoring his side’s opening goal against Venezuela during a World Cup 2026 qualifier in Buenos Aires. Messi made sure he had good memories of playing a home qualifier with Argentina for the last time in his illustrious career. ‘Being able to finish this way here is what I’ve always dreamed of,’ Messi said. ‘I’ve experienced a lot of things on this pitch, both good and not so good, but it’s always a joy to play in Argentina, in front of our fans.’