Lionel Messi, the captain of the Argentina national team, strengthened his position at the top of the list of historical scorers for the World Cup qualifiers in South America, after he scored a double in the net of Venezuela, raising its score to 36 goals, on an emotional night that witnessed his tears and the tears of the “Munimontal” stadium in the capital, Buenos Aires.
Messi excelled in the qualifiers
Messi’s recent goals were not just additional numbers, but rather devoted to the forefront of the list of historical scorers for the World Cup qualifiers on the Latin continent. The Argentine star reached 36 goals in 72 games, to move away from his closest followers, Luis Suarez, with a difference of 7 goals.
Was Messi’s farewell match for Messi?
The confrontation that Argentina settled with three clean against Venezuela turned into an exceptional night, as Messi entered the field with his sons during the national anthem, in an impressive scene that suggested that it may be his last official match against his country’s fans before his international retirement after the 2026 World Cup.
Skaloni tears and the banner of the masses
The scene was not emotional to Messi alone, but coach Lionel Scalloni appeared as a result before the start of the match and after the goal was scored, while the fans raised a large banner on which the phrase “Thank you Messi for everything” was written, in reference to their appreciation for what he presented throughout his career with the team.
Individual achievements and standard numbers
With his historical duo, Messi not only strengthened his lead, but also the Ecuadorian number Ivan Hortado as the most participating in the history of the World Cup qualifiers with 72 games. The first player in history has also exceeded the barrier of 100 international goals with the left foot after reaching 101 goals, confirming his uniqueness in the world of football.
Historical scorers for the World Cup qualifiers in South America
1. Lionel Messi – 36 goals in 72 games
2. Luis Suarez – 29 goals in 60 games
3. Marcelo Martins – 23 goals in 64 games
4. Alexis Sanchez – 20 goals in 61 games
5. Hernan Crespo – 19 goals in 33 games
