Lionel Messi Home Farewell:
One of football’s greatest stars, Lionel Messi, has hinted that his journey with Argentina is nearing the end. At 38, speaking with Apple TV, he suggested that the World Cup qualifier against Venezuela on September 4 in Buenos Aires might be his final home match.
Argentina has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, leading the South American table with 35 points. For Messi, the game at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental is not just competition but an emotional moment.
What Did Lionel Messi Say About His Farewell Match?
After Inter Miami's Leagues Cup semi-final victory over Orlando City, Messi remarked, "This is going to be special for me, a very special match because it might be my last qualifier game. I don't know if there will be any friendlies or other matches afterwards... but yes, this match is very special to me. That's why my whole family will be there with me—my wife, my kids, my parents, my siblings, and as many relatives from my wife’s side as possible. What comes next, I don’t know, but for now, our focus is here."
Messi's Record in World Cup Qualifiers
Messi has played 193 qualifiers, scoring a record 31 goals. During this time, he delivered many unforgettable performances for Argentina. Winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar stands as the crowning glory of his international career, etching him permanently into football history.
Messi is expected to play in the next qualifier against Ecuador on September 9, although that match will be away. Therefore, the September 4 match in Buenos Aires might be the final chance for local fans to see him play a qualifier at home.
If this truly is his last game, it marks the close of a significant chapter in Argentina's football history. However, Messi has not yet made an official announcement regarding his retirement from international football.
Top International Goal Scorers in Football History
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 221 matches, 138 goals Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 193 matches, 112 goals Ali Daei (Iran) – 148 matches, 108 goals Sunil Chhetri (India) – 155 matches, 95 goals Romelu Lukaku (Belgium) – 124 matches, 89 goals
How Do Football Qualifiers Work?
CONMEBOL (South American Football Confederation) is the governing body for football in South America. Similarly, each continent has its governing body. Under CONMEBOL guidelines, World Cup qualifiers started on September 7, 2023, and will conclude in September 2025.
Source: aajtak
Participating Nations
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Qualifying Match Format
Every team plays home and away matches against the other nine teams, totaling 18 matches. After 18 rounds, the teams finishing in the top six will directly qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The team that finishes seventh will compete in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.
