Lionel Messi scored twice as Argentina beat Venezuela 3-0 on Thursday in the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's final home World Cup qualifier.

Messi has not given an indication as to when he plans to retire but the 38-year-old has said the match against Venezuela will be his last World Cup qualifier on home soil.

The reigning World Cup champions, who have already qualified for next year's tournament in North America, controlled proceedings from the opening whistle, creating chances through Nicolas Tagliafico and Franco Mastantuono only to be thwarted by Venezuela goalkeeper Rafael Romo.

Messi broke the deadlock in the 39th minute, the Argentine captain latching onto a pass from Julian Alvarez on a swift counter-attack and firing home into the top-right corner of Romo's net.

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