Messi hints at Sept 4 home qualifier vs Venezuela as farewell

Lionel Messi said Wednesday that Argentina's World Cup qualifying match against Venezuela on Sept. 4 at River Plate's Estadio Monumental could be his last competitive game for the national team on home soil, a comment that has turned the fixture into a possible farewell and heightened interest in an already pivotal encounter. Argentina, already assured of a place at the 2026 World Cup, will complete its CONMEBOL qualifying program with a trip to Ecuador on Sept. 9.

Its going to be a very, very special match because its the last qualifying match, the 38 year old Messi said after helping Inter Miami advance to the Leagues Cup final. I dont know if there will be friendlies or more matches afterwards, but it is a very special match and thats why my family will be there with me my wife, my children, my parents, my siblings. Were going to live it like that. After that, I dont know what will happen.

Messi has previously hinted that he might retire from international duty after the 2026 World Cup, when Argentina will defend the title they won in Qatar 2022. He enters the final two qualifiers with 71 appearances in CONMEBOL qualifying matches, one shy of Ecuadorian Iván Hurtados record...