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BUENOS AIRES: Lionel Messi made sure he had good memories of playing a home qualifier with Argentina’s national team for the last time in his illustrious career.
Messi scored twice Thursday in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Venezuela in front of a raucous sellout crowd that had gathered at estadio Monumental to bid him farewell.
“Being able to finish this way here is what I’ve always dreamed of,” Messi said. “I’ve experienced a lot of things on this pitch, both good and not so good, but it’s always a joy to play in Argentina, in front of our fans.”
Messi is yet to give any clues about when he will retire from the top level of the sport. But the qualifiers for the 2030 World Cup will begin in 2027, when he’s 40.
The Argentina captain scored in the 39th and 80th minutes, and Lautaro Martinez added a goal in the 76th.
Messi now has 36 goals in South American World Cup qualifiers and remains as the all-time scoring leader. His Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez has 29 goals in continental qualifying, but he has retired from Uruguay’s national team. Bolivia’s Marcelo Moreno Martins is third with 22.
Looking ahead, Messi clarified that he will only compete in next year’s World Cup if he feels physically fit.
“I’m excited, eager. It’s day by day, feeling the sensations. If I feel good, I enjoy it; if not, I’d rather not be there,” he said, adding that the nine months until the tournament kicks off “is a long time.”
Already qualified, the World Cup champions extended their tally to 38 points and will remain atop the South American qualifying standings regardless of what happens in the last round next Tuesday.
Venezuela, trying to qualify for its first World Cup, remains on 18 points and in seventh place. They’re still in contention to advance to an intercontinental playoff.

LONDON: Newcastle United have appointed Canadian David Hopkinson as chief executive officer to replace Darren Eales, the Premier League club announced on Thursday.
Eales stepped down for health reasons after announcing last September that he had been diagnosed with a chronic form of blood cancer.
“This club represents something truly special,” Hopkinson said. “It has extraordinary history and heritage, incredibly passionate supporters, and ownership, players and staff who are committed to excellence.
“Having worked with iconic teams across different countries, I understand what it takes to build sustainable success at the highest levels of global sport.
“I greatly admire what has been achieved by the club so far, and I am excited and motivated by what is ahead as we strive to position Newcastle United among the world’s elite clubs.”
Hopkinson has joined Newcastle after serving as President and Chief Operating Officer at Madison Square Garden Sports, where he led the business operations of the New York Knicks and New York Rangers.
Both teams, who play out of Madison Square Garden in New York City, are among the most valuable franchises in the NBA and NHL respectively.
Hopkinson was previously Global Head of Partnerships at Real Madrid, who cemented their place as one of the world’s most valuable football clubs during his tenure.
He also spent over two decades at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd. as Chief Commercial Officer, overseeing commercial activities for the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and NBA’s Toronto Raptors.
Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan called Hopkinson an “outstanding executive” with a top track record.
“His experience and strategic capabilities will be invaluable as we continue to build on the club’s presence locally and grow it globally on and off the pitch,” he said.
“David’s leadership will be critical as we build upon what we have already achieved since the acquisition toward an exciting future and sustainable success.”
In 2021, a consortium led by ������Ƶ’s Public Investment Fund became majority owners of Newcastle.
Last season, the club ended a 56-year trophy drought when they beat Liverpool 2-1 in the
League Cup final.