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The South American World Cup Qualifiers are nearing their finish, however for Argentina and Lionel Messi, the job has lengthy been achieved. Already certified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Albiceleste will host Venezuela on Thursday, September 4, at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental. Whereas the end result received’t have an effect on Argentina’s ticket to the event, this conflict carries historic weight: it may very well be Messi’s ultimate official match on Argentine soil.
Argentina’s place on the 2026 World Cup was secured months in the past, giving coach Lionel Scaloni an opportunity to experiment with youthful gamers and construct depth. The roster contains thrilling prospects similar to Franco Mastantuono, Nico Paz, and Claudio Echeverri, who might get worthwhile minutes alongside veterans.
The distinctive context lies in Messi’s presence. Since Argentina is without doubt one of the host nations for the 2030 World Cup’s centenary match, the group is not going to take part within the subsequent spherical of qualifiers. Meaning Thursday’s sport could also be Messi’s final aggressive look in Argentina sporting the nationwide group jersey, including a bittersweet environment for followers packing the Monumental.
Venezuela’s struggle for historical past
For Venezuela, this match is every thing. At the moment sitting on 18 factors and within the playoff zone, La Vinotinto is battling to safe its first-ever World Cup look. Going through Argentina and Colombia on this ultimate window, their path stays extraordinarily robust.
Venezuela has a historic alternative to qualify for the World Cup for the primary time.
Even when Venezuela manages to win each video games, direct qualification is just not assured. Nonetheless, taking all six factors would lock in no less than a playoff berth. Their destiny might additionally rely upon Colombia’s conflict with Bolivia, which can shut off Venezuela’s likelihood of direct qualification if Los Cafeteros win.
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Lionel Messi might miss a World Cup 2026 Qualifier match with Argentina as a consequence of health considerations
Projected Lineups
Argentina: Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Thiago Almada; Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez.
Venezuela: Rafael Romo; Wilker Ángel, Nahuel Ferraresi, Jon Aramburu, Miguel Navarro; José Martínez, Jefferson Savarino, Telasco Segovia, Yeferson Soteldo; Josef Martínez, Salomón Rondón.
see additionally
World Cup 2026 Qualifiers TV Schedule in USA
For Argentina, this match is about celebrating its heroes and shaping its future. For Venezuela, it’s a determined bid to maintain the World Cup dream alive. And for followers all over the world, it may very well be the final time to see Lionel Messi play a aggressive match in his residence nation. Kickoff is ready for 7:30 PM ET on Thursday, September 4—a date which will go down as one of the vital emotional nights in Argentine soccer historical past.
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