The Estadio Monumental was buzzing with electricity as Lionel Messi delivered a memorable brace in what many believe could be his swan song in a competitive match on Argentine turf.
Argentina cruised to a 3-0 victory over Venezuela on Thursday night, sealing another chapter in their World Cup qualifying campaign with style and dominance.
Messi showcased his timeless brilliance, partnering seamlessly with Lautaro Martínez, who netted Argentina’s third. The emotional post-game atmosphere found Messi holding back tears as he spoke to the home supporters.
“So Many Emotions” – Lionel Messi
Speaking after the match, Messi shared his heartfelt reflections on the occasion:
“So many feelings come to mind—this pitch holds so many memories for me. There’s nothing quite like playing for Argentina in front of our fans.”
“We’ve cherished every moment together for years. Finishing in this fashion, right here, has always been a dream of mine.”
The Inter Miami forward went on to reveal that while his passion remains strong, his future World Cup participation will depend on how his body holds up.
“Given my age, it’s most likely that I won’t reach the [2026 World Cup],” Messi acknowledged.
“But still, with just a little to go, I’m excited and motivated. Like I always say, I take it day by day, listening to my body and how I feel.”
Messi also touched on the deep affection he has received in Argentina, something he once only experienced in Barcelona:
“For years, I felt the love from Barcelona. My biggest wish was to feel that same connection at home, with my own people. Many things were said over the years, but I’ll remember only the good times. Everything we’ve shared has been wonderful. Today was the final match that counted for points here.”
Rested for Final Qualifier — Messi to Sit Out
Having already secured a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Argentina travel to Guayaquil to face Ecuador in their last qualifier. Messi confirmed that he will miss the match:
“I had a talk with [Argentina head coach Lionel] Scaloni, and he decided it would be best for me to rest—to skip the trip to Ecuador while I recover from a [hamstring] injury.”
“We agreed to sit out this match and focus on recovering properly for what’s ahead.”
With the international break ending, Messi now shifts his attention to leading Inter Miami through the MLS season.
Looking Forward
With Argentina leading the CONMEBOL table at 38 points from 17 matches, Messi remains undecided about his World Cup prospects, choosing to focus on his fitness in the coming months.
“I’ll finish this season, then get ready with a preseason, and that will leave about six months. We’ll see then how I’m feeling. Hopefully, a solid preseason in 2026 and a strong finish to this MLS season can put me in a good place to decide.”
Messi—the nation’s all-time top scorer and most-capped player—first appeared at the 2006 World Cup as a teenager and finally realized his ultimate dream by winning the title in Qatar in 2022.
