Argentina’s legendary captain, Lionel Messi, could not hold back his emotions on Thursday, September 5, as he walked onto the pitch of the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires possibly for the last time in front of his home crowd.
The 38-year-old, often hailed as the greatest footballer of all time, appeared visibly moved during the warm-up session. Fans in their tens of thousands roared his name in unison, while an enormous banner celebrating his illustrious career and 2022 World Cup triumph was unfurled across the stands.
The evening turned into a storybook moment as Argentina, already assured of qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Brazil and Ecuador, cruised to a 3-0 victory over Venezuela in their final home qualifier. Messi, as if scripted, delivered a brace, reminding everyone of his enduring brilliance.
Messi Hints at Retirement From International Stage
After the match, Messi struck a bittersweet note in his post-game comments, hinting that the 2026 World Cup might be beyond his reach.
“I don’t think I’ll play in another World Cup,” he told Diario AS. “The most logical conclusion is that I won’t be, but here we are. I’m hopeful and eager. But it’s day by day, game by game.”
The Inter Miami forward, who has battled recurring injuries this season despite posting impressive numbers 27 goals and 11 assists in 34 appearances admitted that his body will ultimately decide his future.
“This year we had a lot of matches, a lot of sequences of games. Luckily, I was able to play three in a row. It’s just day by day, feeling the sensations. It’s clear that today was the last one with points at stake here, but day by day I try to feel good and, above all, be honest with myself. If I feel good, I enjoy it. If I feel bad, I’d rather not be here.”
A Career Defined by Glory and Redemption
Messi also reflected on his long journey with the Albiceleste, one that was filled with heartbreak before culminating in triumph.
“A lot of things happened, and to be able to finish this way here was what I always dreamed of. Being able to celebrate with my people… For many years, I received a lot of love in Barcelona, and my dream was to also have it here, in my country, with my people.
For many years, many things were said, but I’m left with all the good things we did. I’m left with the group that tried and failed to win, but then everything we experienced was beautiful.”
His words underscored the significance of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory in Qatar, which finally silenced critics who doubted his international legacy.
What Next for Messi?
Argentina will wrap up their qualification campaign with an away fixture against Ecuador next Tuesday. While Messi has not formally announced his retirement, his emotional remarks and the atmosphere at the Monumental gave the evening the feeling of a farewell.
Whether or not he chooses to continue beyond 2026, Thursday’s performance ensured that the fans witnessed another chapter of Messi’s magic and perhaps, the last dance on home soil for their greatest ever player.
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