Lionel Messi was reduced to tears of emotion after playing what he confirmed was his final competitive match in Argentina, inspiring La Albiceleste to a 3-0 victory over Venezuela in a World Cup qualifier at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Thursday night.
The 37-year-old captain scored twice, with Lautaro Martínez adding another for Argentina, who has already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With two goals, tears, and an emotional farewell, Lionel Messi may have played his last game in Argentina. This raised questions about whether the world will see him on the pitch at one final World Cup.
‘Will he make it to the 2026 World Cup or is this the beginning of goodbye?’
Messi Reflects on His Last Game at Home
Messi could barely hold back the flood of emotions as he addressed the crowd after the match.
“There are so many emotions, I’ve experienced so many things on this field. It’s always a joy to play in Argentina with our people,” Messi said.
“We’ve been enjoying match after match for many years. I’m very happy; being able to finish in this way here is what I always dreamed of.”
The Inter Miami forward then reflected on his journey with Argentina:
“For many years, I have had the affection of Barcelona, and my dream was to have it here, too, in my country with my people.”
“For many years, a lot of things were said, but well, I’ll stay with all the good. All the good with the group that tried it couldn’t get it and concentrate.”
“Then, I was given it and some of the players in the roster and the past one. Everything we lived was beautiful. Today was the last one for points here.”
World Cup Future in Doubt
With Argentina sitting comfortably at the top of CONMEBOL qualifying on 38 points, Messi admitted he is uncertain about whether he will play in next year’s World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
“Same as I said before about the World Cup that I don’t think I’ll play another,” Messi admitted. “Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won’t make it.”
“But well, we’re almost there, so I’m excited and motivated to play it. Like I always say, I go day by day, going by how I feel.”
“I’m trying to feel good and, above all, being honest with myself. When I feel good, I enjoy it, but when I don’t, honestly, I don’t have a good time, so I prefer not to be there if I don’t feel good.”
“So we’ll see. I haven’t made a decision about the World Cup.”
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner added:
“I’ll finish the season, then I’ll have preseason, and there will be six months left. So, we’ll see how I feel.”
“Hopefully, I’ll have a good preseason in 2026 and finish this MLS season well, and then I’ll decide.”
Messi to Miss Ecuador Clash
Messi also revealed he will sit out Argentina’s final qualifier against Ecuador in Guayaquil due to a hamstring issue.
“I spoke with [Argentina head coach Lionel] Scaloni, and he decided that I should rest, not travel to Ecuador because I’m recovering from a [hamstring] injury,” Messi confirmed.
“We prefer to avoid the trip and prepare for what’s coming up well-rested. We’re preparing to win the MLS, and that’s a goal.”
“We have a friendly in October, and we’ll meet again.”
Messi later shared a heartfelt message with fans on Instagram, writing:
“A very special night that still leaves me speechless and emotional. My heartfelt thanks to all the fans for their love and for always supporting us.”
“Whatever happens and whatever the future holds, only God knows…”
“LET’S GO ARGENTINA!”
Legendary Career in Context
Messi, Argentina’s all-time top scorer and most-capped player, made his World Cup debut in 2006 at the age of 18.
He has appeared in every edition since, guiding Argentina to finals in 2014 and 2022, before finally lifting the trophy in Qatar in what many consider the crowning achievement of his career.
Sidebar: Messi’s World Cup Journey (2006–2022)
2006 – The Debut
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At just 18, Messi made his World Cup debut in Germany.
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Scored against Serbia & Montenegro, becoming Argentina’s youngest-ever scorer at a World Cup.
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Argentina were eliminated by hosts Germany in the quarter-finals.
2010 – The Rising Star
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Played under Diego Maradona in South Africa.
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Despite dazzling performances, Messi failed to score.
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Argentina once again crashed out to Germany in the quarter-finals (4–0).
2014 – The Heartbreak Final
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Wore the captain’s armband in Brazil.
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Scored four goals and won the Golden Ball (Best Player).
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Led Argentina to the final, but lost 1–0 to Germany after Mario Götze’s extra-time strike.
2018 – The Struggles
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Entered Russia 2018 under huge pressure.
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Scored a crucial goal against Nigeria to drag Argentina into the Round of 16.
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Eliminated by eventual champions France in a 4–3 thriller.
2022 – The Crowning Glory
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Messi’s last dance became his ultimate triumph.
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Scored seven goals, including two in the final against France.
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Lifted the World Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout, cementing his status as the greatest of all time.
Messi at a Glance
- 26 World Cup matches
- 13 goals
- 1 Golden Ball (2014)
- 1 World Cup trophy (2022)
