One Last Time? Remembering Messi’s Four Most Dominant Home Performances
Tonight, as the passionate chants echo through the Estadio Monumental, every touch of the ball by Lionel Messi will be tinged with a unique blend of celebration and nostalgia. The World Cup qualifier against Venezuela is more than just a match; it’s a potential farewell, a final opportunity for the Argentine faithful to witness their hero in a competitive home fixture. As we prepare for what promises to be an emotional evening, let’s take a look back at four of Messi’s most unforgettable performances on home soil.
1. A Masterclass Against Colombia (November 15, 2016)
In a crucial 2018 World Cup qualifier, with Argentina’s chances hanging in the balance, Messi delivered a performance for the ages in San Juan. He opened the scoring with a breathtaking free-kick that left the goalkeeper with no chance. Not content with just a stunning goal, he went on to assist Lucas Pratto and Ángel Di María, single-handedly dismantling a talented Colombian side in a dominant 3-0 victory. This match was a testament to his leadership and ability to carry the weight of a nation on his shoulders.
2. The “Fantastic Four” Demolish Ecuador (June 2, 2012)
During the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, the Monumental was treated to a scintillating attacking display led by Messi. Alongside Sergio Agüero, Gonzalo Higuaín, and Ángel Di María, the “Fantastic Four” ran riot against Ecuador in a 4-0 thrashing. Messi was at the heart of everything, scoring a sublime goal after a brilliant one-two with Higuaín and orchestrating the fluid attacking moves that left the opposition mesmerized. It was a perfect display of Argentina’s offensive firepower with their talisman conducting the orchestra.
3. A Hat-Trick of Brilliance Against Bolivia (September 9, 2021)
In the first match with fans in attendance after the COVID-19 pandemic, and the first time the team played at home after their historic Copa América triumph, Messi put on a show to remember. He scored a magnificent hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Bolivia, with each goal showcasing a different facet of his genius. The night was capped off with emotional scenes as Messi and his teammates celebrated their continental championship with the adoring home crowd, a moment of pure, unadulterated joy.
4. A Standing Ovation in a Friendly Thrashing of Haiti (May 29, 2018)
While only a friendly, this match at La Bombonera was significant as it served as a farewell to the home fans before the 2018 World Cup. Messi was in scintillating form, scoring a hat-trick and providing an assist in a 4-0 win. The adoring crowd gave him a thunderous ovation, a clear sign of their love and appreciation for a player who had given them so many moments of magic. It was a heartfelt send-off that demonstrated the deep connection between Messi and the Argentine people.
As Messi takes to the pitch tonight, these memories and countless others will be at the forefront of every fan’s mind. The match against Venezuela is not just about securing three points; it’s about honoring a legend and savoring what could be the final chapter of an extraordinary story written on home soil.
