Buenos Aires, September 5, 2025: Lionel Messi was visibly emotional after playing what he confirmed was his final competitive match on home soil, scoring twice in Argentina’s 3-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Venezuela at the Estadio Monumental on Thursday night.
Messi, 38, delivered a vintage performance alongside Lautaro Martínez, who added the third goal, as La Albiceleste signed off in front of their home fans in style.
Reflecting on the occasion, Messi admitted the night was filled with deep sentiment:
“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. I’m very happy — being able to finish in this way here is what I always dreamed of,” he said.
Messi recalled years of mixed perceptions at home compared to his adoration at Barcelona, but said he would leave only with fond memories:
“For many years, I had the affection of Barcelona, and my dream was to have it here too. A lot of things were said, but I’ll stay with all the good.”
He confirmed the match against Venezuela was his last official qualifier in Argentina:
“Today was the last one for points here.”
Despite Argentina already securing qualification with 35 points from 16 games, Messi cast doubt on his participation in next year’s World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
“Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won’t make it. But we’re almost there, so I’m excited and motivated. I’ll go day by day, seeing how I feel,” the Inter Miami captain explained.
Messi stressed that he would only commit if he felt physically ready:
“When I feel good, I enjoy it. But when I don’t, I don’t have a good time, so I prefer not to be there. Hopefully, I’ll have a good preseason in 2026, finish this MLS season well, and then decide.”
Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, Messi debuted at the 2006 World Cup aged 18. He inspired Argentina to the 2014 final, before finally lifting the trophy in Qatar 2022, cementing his place among football’s all-time greats.
Messi also confirmed he will miss Argentina’s final qualifier of this window against Ecuador in Guayaquil.
“I spoke with [coach Lionel] Scaloni, and he decided I should rest and not travel because I’m recovering from a hamstring injury. We prefer to avoid the trip and prepare for what’s coming,” Messi said.
He added that his immediate focus would be on Inter Miami’s MLS campaign, with Argentina set to regroup for a friendly in October.
