<p>The decisive moment arrives as Argentina host Venezuela in what promises to be Lionel Messi’s potentially final World Cup qualifier on home soil.</p> <p>The match kicks off at 9:30 AM AEST on Thursday, September 5 at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina.</p> <p>For Argentina, it is a chance to send their captain off with a flourish. For Venezuela, it is the last shot in a qualifying campaign that still offers hope.</p> <p>Argentina enter this showdown already qualified for the 2026 World Cup and comfortably atop the standings. Yet coach Lionel Scaloni has not pulled the plug, as he announced a roster that blends stalwarts like Messi, Emiliano Martínez, Lautaro Martínez, Rodrigo De Paul, and Alexis Mac Allister with rising stars.</p> <p>Messi himself emphasized that this match will be particularly meaningful, calling it potentially his last qualifier in Buenos Aires. Expect them to honor that moment with focus, leadership, and an inclination toward experimentation to show everyone what a ‘life after Messi’ might look like.</p> <h2>Venezuela’s Context and Strengths</h2> <p>Venezuela arrive fighting for a historic breakthrough, currently holding the seventh-place spot that puts them within reach of the playoff berth.</p> <p>Veteran Salomón Rondón captains the side, offering leadership and striking presence as the team pursues a generational momentum shift. They need a result — or at least a strong showing — to keep their dream alive.</p> <h3>Prediction: Emotional Stakes, Tactical Flow, Momentum in the Moment</h3> <p>This one feels loaded with atmosphere more than it promises fireworks. Argentina’s emotion and continuity give them a firm edge, but Venezuela’s urgency means this could stay competitive longer than expected.</p> <p>The margin? <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/world-cup/fifa-world-cup-qualifiers-americas/argentina-v-venezuela-9532099">Expect a clear Argentina win</a>, but not a landslide.</p> <p>Venezuela will resist deep and test Argentina’s concentration early. Live bettors should watch how Messi impacts rhythm in the middle third and how the youngsters contribute off the bench - Argentina might edge ahead through moments of individual class, while Venezuela could threaten via set pieces or counters.</p> <p>Bottom line: Argentina should win, with Messi giving it his all in one last qualifier at the Monumental. Still, don’t expect a runaway; Venezuela’s heart and structure could keep this tight for long stretches. Markets might favor Argentina to win, with modest goal totals and manageable spreads rather than overblown margins.</p>