Goals from Nicolas Gonzalez and Angel Di Maria, each created with the aid of Rodrigo De Paul, additionally stored a packed Bombonera stadium enthralled in Buenos Aires for a suit that had nothing using on it.
Argentina have long certified for the World Cup in Qatar later this yr, whilst Venezuela have been the primary group in South America's unmarried 10-country qualification institution to be eliminated.
The victory kept Argentina just 4 points at the back of group leaders Brazil with two suits to move.
Venezuela at the moment are guaranteed to complete backside after a 13th defeat in 17 qualifiers so far.
All 4 automatic qualification spots had been decided in advance of next week's qualification finale, with Uruguay and Ecuador booking their tickets to Qatar on Thursday night time.
The only issue that stays undecided is who will end fifth and head into an intercontinental qualification play-off.
Peru lead that warfare with the aid of a factor from Colombia and ahead of Chile.
Argentina dominated from the off and opened the scoring 10 minutes before half-time as Gonzalez managed to stay onside to slide in De Paul's precise right wing cross from six yards.
Messi changed into closely worried on his return, having been rested for Argentina's previous qualifiers.
The veteran seven-time Ballon d'Or winner had 3 photographs at purpose from direct loose-kicks however become not able to even test goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez.
