Goa, Sept. 5 -- Lionel Messi turned the Monumental Stadium into a theatre of dreams, scoring twice in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Venezuela in what could be his last World Cup qualifier on home soil.

The 38-year-old skipper received a thunderous ovation from over 80,000 fans as he walked in with his children, visibly moved by the occasion. Already qualified for the 2026 World Cup in North America, Argentina dominated from start to finish.

Messi struck in the 39th minute, Lautaro Martinez added a header in the 76th, and Messi sealed the win with another goal just four minutes later. The night also marked Messi equalling Colombia's Ivan Hurtado's record of 72 CONMEBOL qualifier appearances and extending his all-time scoring tally to 36....