Thu Sep 04 23:30:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text, with a summary included at the end:

**Headline: Messi’s Farewell? Argentina Faces Venezuela in Potentially Historic World Cup Qualifier**

**Buenos Aires, Argentina** – All eyes will be on the Estadio Monumental this Thursday as defending World Cup champions Argentina host Venezuela in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match. The game, set to kick off at 7:30 PM ET (8:30 PM local time), carries significant weight, especially for Argentinian fans.

According to reports, this could be Lionel Messi’s last appearance playing for the national side in his home country. The occasion promises a deeply emotional atmosphere, with Messi’s family, including his wife, children, parents, siblings, and in-laws, expected to be in attendance to support the Argentinian captain.

While Argentina has already secured its place in the 2026 World Cup, Venezuela enters the match with everything to play for. They are currently vying for a spot in the inter-confederation playoffs and will be eager to secure a positive result against the reigning world champions.

“It will be a very special game for me, since it will be the last one in the qualifying round,” Messi said in a post-game interview, acknowledging the magnitude of the event.

Historically, Argentina has dominated matchups against Venezuela, boasting 24 wins in 29 encounters. Venezuela has only managed two victories, with three matches ending in a draw. Argentina has scored 96 goals in these matches, while Venezuela has only managed 19.

Expected lineups for the match are as follows:

* **Argentina:** Martinez (GK); Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Medina; De Paul, Paredes, Palacios; Messi, Alvarez, Almada.
* **Venezuela:** Romo (GK); Aramburu, Ferraresi, Ángel, Navarro; Martinez, Cásseres; Martinez, Herrera, Cádiz; Rondon.

Fans in the US can catch the live action on Universo, with streaming available on Fubo.

Following the match against Venezuela, Argentina will face Ecuador on September 9th. Messi is then expected to rejoin Inter Miami for the remainder of the 2025 MLS season.

**Summary:**

Argentina is hosting Venezuela in a 2026 World Cup qualifier that might be Lionel Messi’s last match for his country in Argentina. While Argentina has already qualified for the World Cup, Venezuela is aiming for a playoff spot. The match is expected to be an emotional event, and all eyes of Argentinian fans will be on the Estadio Monumental this Thursday.

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