Table of Contents
- On Thursday night, Lionel Messi played what is expected to be his final competitive match for Argentina on home soil
- Messi was joined on the pitch before kick-off by his three sons, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro
- The former Barcelona man made his debut for Argentina at the age of 16 years, four months, and 23 days old, and played in his first FIFA World Cup in 2006 at just 18 years
On Thursday night, Lionel Messi played what is expected to be his final competitive match for Argentina on home soil. Unsurprisingly, over 85,000 fans showed up at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires to say goodbye to the gifted playmaker as The White and Sky Blue played a World Cup qualifier match against Venezuela. He didn’t disappoint the home fans as he scored a brace during his team’s 3-0 win over Venezuela.
Messi was joined on the pitch before kick-off by his three sons, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro, as he received a standing ovation from fans in moving scenes. The 38-year-old has not stated when he’ll retire from football but is unlikely to play at the 2030 World Cup qualifiers which will begin in 2027, when he’ll be 40.
Messi received a standing ovation from over 85,000 fans present at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Photo/ Goal.com.
Speaking after the match against Venezuela, the Argentine football great said that he’ll only play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer if he feels physically fit.
“Same as I said before about the World Cup that I don’t think I’ll play another. Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won’t make it… I haven’t made a decision about the World Cup. 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.” Lionel Messi spoke to reporters about the possibility of him playing at next year’s World Cup, according to ESPN.
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The former Barcelona man made his debut for Argentina at the age of 16 years, four months, and 23 days old, and played in his first FIFA World Cup in 2006 at just 18 years. Over the years, he has been a key player for the South American nation and helped them reach the final of the World Cup in 2014 and 2022, lifting the latter in Qatar.
Argentina have one final qualifier match to play before next year’s World Cup which will take place in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Messi said he’ll not play the match, which will be against Ecuador in Guayaquil.
Lionel Messi Scores Brace For Argentina
Argentina came to the tie against Venezuela having already booked their spot in the 2026 World Cup. The match was tight in the opening minutes but captain Messi showed his brilliance in the 39th minute when he latched on to Julian Alvarez’s pass before firing into the top corner.
Lionel Messi scored two goals in what is expected to be his final match for Argentina on home soil. His side won the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers match against Venezuela 3-0 in Buenos Aires. Photo/ FotMob.
Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez then doubled Argentina’s lead in the 76th minute to ensure the hosts were in firm control of the match. Messi then sealed the win shortly after. It was his 36th goal in South American World Cup qualifiers, solidifying his place as the top scorer. His teammate at Inter Miami Luis Suarez is second in the continental qualifiers with 29 goals but already ended his international career.
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Argentina sit top of their group with 38 points and will remain there regardless of what happens next week when the next round of qualifiers will be played. Meanwhile, Venezuela will hoping for a win next Tuesday as they are eyeing for a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
