Lionel Messi equals CONMEBOL appearance record, becomes top scorer in World Cup qualifiers, and sparks retirement rumours.
A Night of Records and Emotion in Buenos Aires
Football legend Lionel Messi delivered a historic performance on Friday during a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against Venezuela. In what was described as an emotional evening for Argentina, Messi not only led his team to victory but also rewrote the record books—again.
Records Broken by Lionel Messi
Messi, 38, continues to defy age and expectations. Here’s a quick look at the milestones he achieved in the match:
Most Appearances in CONMEBOL Qualifiers
- 72 appearances – Equals Ecuador’s Ivan Hurtado for most games in South American (CONMEBOL) World Cup qualifiers.
Top Goal Scorer in CONMEBOL Qualifiers
- 36 goals – Breaks the previous record to become the all-time leading goal scorer in South American qualifiers.
Global Recognition
- Ties Iran’s Ali Daei for goals scored in World Cup qualifiers globally.
Argentina Stats So Far
- 114 international goals – Continues as Argentina’s all-time top scorer.
- 879 career goals overall (club + country).
- Fourth-highest assist provider in CONMEBOL qualifiers.
Top Players with Most Appearances in CONMEBOL Qualifiers
| Rank | Player | Country | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ivan Hurtado | Ecuador | 72 |
| 1 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | 72 |
| 3 | Paulo da Silva | Paraguay | 66 |
| 4 | Marcelo Moreno | Bolivia | 64 |
| 5 | Claudio Bravo | Chile | 63 |
| 5 | Alexis Sánchez | Chile | 63 |
| 5 | Tomás Rincón | Venezuela | 63 |
| 8 | Diego Godín | Uruguay | 61 |
| 8 | Paolo Guerrero | Peru | 61 |
| 10 | Luis Suárez | Uruguay | 60 |
Messi’s Emotional Statement Fuels Retirement Talk
Before the match, Messi referred to the clash with Venezuela as “a very special match,” triggering speculation that this might be his final official appearance on Argentine soil.
Fans across Buenos Aires were seen in tears, chanting his name, as they grappled with the idea that the legend’s glorious chapter in Argentina might soon come to an end.
Why This Matters
- This performance adds another jewel to Messi’s already unmatched crown.
- His records stand as a benchmark for future generations.
- Argentina’s World Cup qualifying campaign gets a morale boost with Messi at the helm.
Lionel Messi once again reminded the world why he’s often called the GOAT (Greatest of All Time). With more records in his name and emotions running high, the Argentina vs Venezuela match wasn’t just about football—it was about legacy.
Whether or not this was his last home game, Messi has ensured that his name will forever echo in the stadiums of Argentina.
