He made his senior international debut way back in 2005, coming off the bench in a friendly against Hungary. Fast forward two decades, Lionel Messi played perhaps his final match for Argentina on home soil, September 5, on Friday. In the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier fixture against Venezuela, the Argentine number 10 scored twice as the Albiceleste won the match 3-0. Lautaro Martinez scored the other goal.
Messi was emotional and couldn’t hold back his tears once the game finished. However, he hasn’t mentioned anything official about his retirement plans, but speaking to the broadcasters after the match, he mentioned that he won’t be available for the last qualifier match against Ecuador on September 10th.
Argentina, the defending World champions, have already booked their place for the 2026 edition, in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Meanwhile, the captain said, “We’ll see”, when asked about his participation.
The packed Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires is always special for Messi and bidding farewell in front of his home crowd is something he “always dreamt of”, as he mentioned in the post-match ceremony.
Now 38, the Inter Miami star with this brace against Venezuela reached a goals tally of 114 for the national team in 194 matches. Fans will have to wait for any further official announcement from their favourite star on whether he wishes to play in the upcoming World Cup or not.
For now, he bids farewell to his home crowd in tears, with a comprehensive victory.
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