Lionel Messi will play his last home game in South American Qualifiers. His Argentina team, already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, will try to send him off with a victory at the Monumental Stadium to make the celebration complete.
However, they will face Venezuela, a rival that is playing for World Cup qualification and need a win.
Amid the nostalgia for Leo's last home game on an emotional day, Lionel Scaloni is thinking ahead. With seven of their 2022 world champion squad who will not be around for 2026, the coach is betting on new blood and will be watching young talents such as Mastantuono, Echeverri, Paz, Carboni and Soler.
On the Venezuelan side, they want to put together their own celebration.
Bocha Batista's team are playing for the chance to qualify for their first World Cup: if they pull off an upset against Argentina (who they have only beaten them once) and Colombia do not beat Bolivia, they will go into the last game with a chance of direct qualification.
According to Bet365, Argentina are the heavy favourites to win, given odds of 2/9 by the bookmaker, whilst Venezuela are underdogs at 12/1 and the draw is priced up at 5/1.
Predictions and bets for Argentina vs. Venezuela in the South American Qualifiers
Argentina to score over 2.5 goals: 1/1 with Bet365
In seventh place in the standings with 18 points, four points away from securing a direct ticket to avoid depending on other results, Venezuela are hopeful but must overcome a poor record against Argentina.
La Vinotinto have only won one of the last 17 matches (in 2011 and at home) and conceded a total of 21 goals (they earned a point in Argentina in 2017).
La Albiceleste have scored over 2.5 goals at home in four of their last five games, and this match on the road to Qatar 2022 was a resounding 3-0 victory at La Bombonera.
Lionel Messi scores the first or last goal: 12/5 with Bet365
Lionel Messi's golden era with the Argentine national team is coming to an end, and the Monumental will be the scene of the first of many farewells.
At home, the number 10 has played 45 games, 24 of which were at the Monumental, scoring a total of 35 goals (23 in qualifiers and 12 in friendlies).
He scored three goals against Venezuela, in 2009 he scored the 1-0 winner and in their last match he made it 3-0 in the 82nd minute.
On a night when he will be the star from start to finish, Leo, with the help of his teammates, is a good bet to open or close the scoring on the night.
Predicted lineups for Argentina vs. Venezuela
- Argentina: Martínez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Palacios; Messi, Álvarez, Almada.
- Venezuela: Romo; Aramburu, Ferraresi, Ángel, Navarro; Rincón, Pereira, Casseres; Savarino, Rondón, Soteldo.
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How to watch Argentina vs. Venezuela
- Date: Friday, September 5
- Time: 00:30
- Venue: Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- TV/Stream: Premier Sports