Lionel Messi, the captain of the Argentine national team, said that the World Cup 2026 qualifier against Venezuela on September 4 could be his last official match in his home country. He called this match "very, very special."
"My family—my wife, children, parents, and brothers—will be with me. This is the last qualifier. I don't know what will happen after Venezuela," said the 38-year-old footballer.
Messi, who is expected to play in the 2026 World Cup, will be 40 years old by the start of the 2030 qualifiers.
The AFA (Argentine Football Association) has set ticket prices for the match against Venezuela in the range of $100–$500. This is causing huge demand among fans.
Although Messi has not officially announced his retirement, this statement suggests that his international football career is coming to an end.
For Argentines, the match on the night of September 4 may be an opportunity to watch their hero play at home one last time.
