Lionel Messi, at 38, announced that the match against Venezuela, scheduled for September 4, 2025, at the Monumental de Núñez Stadium in Buenos Aires, will be his last official Eliminatories game for the South American qualifiers on Argentine soil. The game, part of the 17th round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, will hold special significance, with his family, including his wife, children, parents, and siblings, in attendance. Argentina, already qualified for the World Cup, leads the Eliminatories with 35 points. Messi, who has not confirmed his participation in the 2026 World Cup, described the moment as a potential farewell at home in an interview after Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup win. The star faces uncertainty about his future with the national team, with his Inter Miami contract valid until the end of 2025.
Messi’s statement followed a standout performance for Inter Miami, where he scored two goals in a 3-1 victory over Orlando City, securing a spot in the Leagues Cup final. The game against Venezuela promises to be an emotional milestone for the number 10 and Argentine fans, who will fill the Monumental to celebrate the country’s greatest football idol.
- Historic moment: The match may be Messi’s last in the Eliminatories in Argentina.
- Family presence: The star emphasized that his family will attend to make the moment unforgettable.
- Argentina’s lead: The team has 35 points and is secured for the 2026 World Cup.
- Uncertain future: Messi has not confirmed if he will play the World Cup or the final round against Ecuador.
Significance of the match for Messi and fans
Messi’s announcement about the Venezuela match carries unique emotional weight. The Monumental Stadium, the stage for major Argentine national team triumphs, will host a moment that could mark the end of an era. At 38, Messi has won everything with the Albiceleste: two Copa Américas (2021 and 2024), the 2022 Finalissima, and the 2022 World Cup. His Eliminatories journey, which began in 2005, includes memorable moments like scoring four goals against Chile in 2012. The September 4 match will be the last chance for Argentine fans to see their number 10 in action in an official qualifier game in the country.
The player highlighted the presence of his family as a key factor. “It will be special, which is why my wife, kids, parents, siblings, and everyone who can will be there,” he said. The emotion of sharing the moment with loved ones underscores the importance Messi places on the occasion, which may be his official farewell in Buenos Aires for the Eliminatories.
- Historic achievements: Messi led Argentina to continental and world titles.
- Iconic stadium: The Monumental de Núñez is the backdrop for defining moments.
- Family support: Loved ones’ presence enhances the match’s unique nature.
- Eliminatories legacy: Messi is the tournament’s all-time top scorer with 31 goals.
Argentina’s preparation for the match
Argentina, led by Lionel Scaloni, enters the Venezuela match in a comfortable position. With 35 points in 16 rounds, the team has secured a spot in the 2026 World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The squad won 11 matches, drew two, and lost one, showing consistency even without Messi, as seen in games against Chile and Colombia in 2024 when he was recovering from an ankle injury sustained in the Copa América final.
For the match, Scaloni is expected to field the core of the World Cup-winning team, including Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, and possibly Ángel Di María, though the latter retired from the national team after the 2024 Copa América. The likely lineup features Gerónimo Rulli in goal, with Emiliano Martínez suspended, and a solid defense with Nicolás Otamendi and Lisandro Martínez. Venezuela relies on the return of Yangel Herrera and the experience of Salomón Rondón to challenge the tournament leader.
- Argentina’s lineup: Rulli, Montiel, Otamendi, Martínez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernández; Messi, Lautaro, Álvarez.
- Venezuela’s absences: Cristian Cásseres Jr. and Miguel Navarro, suspended due to cards.
- Scaloni’s strategy: Focus on ball possession and exploiting Álvarez’s speed.
- Competitive Venezuela: The Vinotinto has 10 points and aims for a World Cup spot.
Messi’s future with the national team
Uncertainty surrounds Messi’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, a topic dominating Argentine football discussions. At 38, he will turn 39 during the tournament, which would mark his sixth World Cup, a historic feat. Despite stating in 2022 that Qatar would be his last World Cup, Messi has been more cautious in 2024 and 2025. Scaloni revealed in January 2025 that Messi wants to play the tournament, depending on his physical condition.
Teammates like Luis Suárez support Messi’s desire to continue. “Leo and I talked about retiring together, and it might happen,” Suárez told Ovación. Argentina’s schedule includes friendlies in October and November 2025 in the United States, Angola, and India, plus a possible 2026 Finalissima against Spain. These matches will keep Messi active with the national team post-Eliminatories.
- 2026 World Cup: Messi could be the first player to compete in six World Cups.
- Scaloni’s confidence: The coach believes Messi will play if fit.
- Preparatory friendlies: International tours are planned before the World Cup.
- Suárez’s support: The friend reinforces Messi’s desire to play until 2026.
Messi’s impact at Inter Miami
While planning his Eliminatories farewell, Messi continues to shine at Inter Miami. After recovering from a 2024 Copa América ankle injury, he scored five goals in six MLS games, including two in a win against Columbus Crew, securing the Supporters’ Shield for the season’s best team. His performance against Orlando City, with two goals, clinched a Leagues Cup final spot, reinforcing his club importance.
Messi’s Inter Miami contract lasts until the end of 2025, with no confirmed renewal. Al-Hilal’s CEO commented on potentially signing the Argentine, but Messi’s priority seems to be staying in the U.S., where he lives with his family. His club future may influence his national team career.
- MLS performance: Messi scored five goals in six games post-recovery.
- Supporters’ Shield: Inter Miami won the trophy with Messi’s help.
- Contract until 2025: Renewal discussions remain open.
- International interest: Clubs like Al-Hilal are monitoring Messi’s situation.
Messi’s Eliminatories history
Messi’s South American Eliminatories journey is marked by records and unforgettable moments. Since his 2005 debut against Peru, he has played 62 matches and scored 31 goals, making him the tournament’s top scorer. Highlights include four goals in a 5-2 win over Paraguay in 2013 and a hat-trick against Ecuador in 2017, securing Argentina’s 2018 World Cup spot. His leadership was key to the unbeaten 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
The Venezuela match will be his 63rd Eliminatories game, reflecting his longevity. Despite injuries, like the 2024 ankle issue, Messi consistently returns at a high level, as seen in a 3-0 win over Venezuela in Maturín in October 2024, where he scored post-recovery.
- Goal record: Messi leads with 31 goals in the Eliminatories.
- 2005 debut: He began his journey against Peru at 18.
- Decisive matches: Hat-tricks and key performances secured qualifications.
- 2024 return: Messi overcame injury to shine against Venezuela.
Argentine fans’ expectations
The possibility of Messi’s Eliminatories farewell at home is mobilizing Argentine fans. Ticket sales for the Venezuela match, announced by the AFA, sold out quickly, with virtual queues exceeding expectations. The Monumental, with an 83,000 capacity, expects a record crowd to honor the number 10. Banners, chants, and mosaics are being prepared by fan groups.
Messi’s bond with fans is defined by idolatry. After the 2022 World Cup title, he became an even greater national symbol, surpassing Diego Maradona for many. The September 4 match will be a chance for Argentines to celebrate a player who transformed football.
- Sold-out tickets: Demand exceeded AFA’s expectations.
- Planned tributes: Fan groups prepare mosaics and chants for Messi.
- National idol: The star is compared to Maradona for his impact.
- Record crowd: The Monumental expects 83,000 fans.