Argentina captain Lionel Messi was overwhelmed with emotion on Friday, September 5, as he stepped onto the pitch at the Estadio Monumental, possibly for the last time in front of his home supporters.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi was overwhelmed with emotion on Friday, September 5, as he stepped onto the pitch at the Estadio Monumental, possibly for the last time in front of his home supporters.
The 38-year-old, widely celebrated as one of football’s greatest ever players, was moved to tears as fans chanted his name and unveiled a massive banner honouring his achievements, particularly his role in leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022.
Argentina, already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Brazil and Ecuador, defeated Venezuela 3-0 in their final home qualifier. Messi, true to script, scored twice, making the night even more memorable.
After the match, Messi admitted that the next World Cup may be beyond him.
“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,” he told Diario AS.
The Inter Miami forward, who has managed 27 goals and 11 assists in 34 appearances this season despite battling injuries, acknowledged that his fitness will ultimately decide his future.
“It’s clear that today was the last competitive game with points at stake here. I try to be honest with myself — if I feel good, I enjoy it. If I feel bad, I’d rather not be here,” he added.
Messi, however, savoured the atmosphere, expressing gratitude to the fan.
“Finishing this way, with my people, was always my dream. For many years, I received love in Barcelona, and I wanted to experience the same here in my country. We went through difficult times, but in the end, everything we experienced was beautiful.”
With Argentina set to complete their qualifiers away against Ecuador next Tuesday, questions remain about whether Messi will continue his international career beyond 2026. But for fans at the Monumental, Friday night felt like a heartfelt goodbye to their most iconic star.
