Lionel Messi was overcome with emotion at the Estadio Monumental on September 5, as he stepped onto the pitch in what could be his final competitive game on Argentine soil.
The 38-year-old icon, celebrated by many as the greatest of all time, couldn’t hide his feelings during the warm-up as the stadium echoed with chants of his name. Fans unveiled a massive banner honoring the man who delivered Argentina’s long-awaited World Cup triumph in 2022—a moment that sealed his legacy after years of heartbreak with the national team.
Argentina, already assured of a place at the 2026 World Cup alongside Brazil and Ecuador, signed off their home qualifying campaign with a comfortable 3–0 victory over Venezuela. Messi stole the spotlight, scoring twice in a night that felt scripted for a hero’s farewell.
After the match, he spoke candidly about his future:
“I don’t think I’ll play in another World Cup. The most logical thing is that I won’t, but here we are. I’m hopeful and eager, but it’s day by day, game by game.”
Currently with Inter Miami, Messi has battled injuries this season but still posted an incredible 27 goals and 11 assists in 34 appearances. He admitted that his body will ultimately decide how long he continues.
“We’ve had a lot of matches this year. Luckily, I managed to play three in a row, but it’s about how I feel each day. Today was the last one with points at stake here. If I feel good, I enjoy it. If not, I prefer to step aside,” he explained.
Despite the uncertainty, Messi savored every moment of the night.
“So many things have happened, but to finish this way here was always my dream—to celebrate with my people. For years I received love in Barcelona, but I always wanted to feel the same here, in my country. Many things were said, but I hold on to the good, to the group that tried and failed, and then finally achieved something beautiful.”
As Argentina prepare to finish qualifiers away to Ecuador next Tuesday, the question of Messi’s international future remains open. But for the fans at the Monumental, the evening already felt like a heartfelt goodbye to their greatest ever player.
