The emotion in Lionel Messi’s voice was unmistakable as he contemplated what lies ahead. Argentina’s September World Cup qualifier against Venezuela at the iconic Estadio Monumental could mark the end of an era – the final time the greatest footballer of his generation takes the field in Buenos Aires for a competitive international match.
After winning the World Cup in 2022, many expected Messi to end his international career, but he has kept going. And he will be aiming to help Argentina defend their crown next summer in North America. Los Albiceleste are already qualified for the 2026 tournament, and next week, they face Venezuela and Ecuador in their final qualifiers.
“Yes, it’s going to be special, a very special match for me because it’s the last qualifier game,” Messi reflected, his words carrying the weight of nearly two decades representing his beloved Argentina. “I don’t know if there will be a friendly or more games afterward, but yes, it’s a very special match.”
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At 38, Messi’s career reads like a fairy tale written by football gods. His club achievements alone would cement any player’s legacy: 10 La Liga titles, 4 Champions League trophies, and 8 Ballon d’Or awards during his legendary Barcelona tenure. The move to Paris Saint-Germain brought additional Ligue 1 titles before his current chapter with Inter Miami, where he continues to mesmerize American audiences.
But it was with Argentina where Messi’s story found its most poignant chapters. For years, the narrative haunted him – the greatest club player who couldn’t quite capture international glory. Four Copa America final defeats and a World Cup final loss in 2014 painted him as a tragic figure, destined to fall short when wearing the sky blue and white stripes.
Everything changed in 2021. At the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro, Messi finally lifted the Copa America trophy, breaking down in tears as 28 years of international heartbreak melted away. The image of him clutching the trophy, surrounded by teammates who had shared his pain, became one of football’s most emotional moments.
But the ultimate redemption came in Qatar 2022. In what many considered the greatest World Cup final ever played, Messi led Argentina to victory over France in a dramatic penalty shootout. The sight of him kissing the World Cup trophy, finally completing his collection, brought tears to millions of eyes worldwide. At last, the debate was settled – Messi had conquered the only prize that had eluded him.
The significance of the Venezuela match extends beyond football statistics. Messi revealed that his entire family will be present – wife Antonela, their three sons Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, along with his parents Jorge and Celia, siblings, and extended family from both sides.
“My family will be with me, my wife, my kids, my parents, my siblings, and also as many relatives as possible from my wife’s side and we’ll experience it that way,” he explained, painting a picture of a man who understands the magnitude of the moment.
This gathering represents more than familial support; it’s a recognition that they’re witnessing history. The same family who endured years of criticism directed at Messi for his international “failures” will now celebrate his farewell from the stage where he ultimately found his greatest triumphs.
Messi’s international record speaks volumes: 193 appearances for Argentina, more than 112 goals, and victories in the World Cup, Copa America, and Olympic Games. He’s transformed from the shy teenager who threw up from nerves before matches to the captain who carried an entire nation’s dreams on his shoulders.
His influence extends beyond the pitch. Messi’s journey from heartbreak to triumph has become a symbol of perseverance, showing that even the greatest talents must sometimes wait for their moment of glory. His story resonates with anyone who has faced setbacks while pursuing their dreams.
“After that, like I said, I don’t know what will happen, but we’re going in with that mindset,” Messi admitted, acknowledging the uncertainty that surrounds his international future. While friendly matches might follow, competitive fixtures on home soil could become increasingly rare.
The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, looms as a potential final chapter. At 39, Messi would be among the oldest players ever to compete in a World Cup, but his recent form suggests he remains capable of contributing at the highest level.
For Argentina, Messi represents more than football excellence. He embodies the nation’s passion, resilience, and unwavering belief in ultimate triumph. From the streets of Rosario to the presidential palace in Buenos Aires, his name is synonymous with Argentine pride.
The September qualifier against Venezuela will likely see the Monumental transformed into a celebration of Messi’s career. Fans who once questioned his commitment to the national team will now sing his name with pure devotion, recognizing they’re witnessing the twilight of an extraordinary career.
Messi prepares for what could be his last World Cup qualifying match in Buenos Aires, the football world prepares to say goodbye to an era. The boy from Rosario who overcame growth hormone deficiency to become the world’s greatest player has given Argentina – and football – memories that will last forever.
Whether this September evening marks his final competitive appearance on Argentine soil or merely another milestone in an ongoing journey, one thing remains certain: Lionel Messi has already achieved immortality. The World Cup trophy sits in his collection, the criticism has been silenced, and his legacy is secure.
The Venezuela match will be more than a qualifier – it will be a celebration, a thank you, and perhaps a farewell to the greatest footballer Argentina has ever produced.
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