Lionel Messi has confirmed that Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Venezuela on September 4, 2025 will be his final home match with the national team. At 38 years old, the Inter Miami forward made it clear that this moment will be special, not only for him but also for the millions of fans who have followed his journey from a shy teenager in Rosario to the world’s most decorated player.
Yet, while this signals the beginning of the end for Messi’s international career, it also sets the stage for what could be his grand finale at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Messi’s Emotional Farewell on Home Soil
Messi’s announcement came shortly after Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup semifinal win over Orlando City, where he scored twice. But the post-match spotlight quickly shifted from club football to his future with Argentina.
He confirmed that:
- The Venezuela qualifier in Buenos Aires will be his last match at home for Argentina.
- His entire family will be present — wife Antonela, their three children, parents, siblings, and relatives.
- He acknowledged uncertainty beyond the match: “Afterwards I don’t know what will happen, but we are going with that intention.”
For Argentina fans, this home farewell mirrors Diego Maradona’s final match in Buenos Aires before the 1994 World Cup. It’s a moment that goes beyond football — a collective goodbye to a player who carried a nation on his shoulders for nearly two decades.
Lionel Messi confirmó que jugará su último partido de Eliminatorias en Argentina contra Venezuela. pic.twitter.com/aw8mBcAFQz
— Clarín (@clarincom) August 28, 2025
Still Not the End: What Remains Before 2026
Although September 4 will mark Messi’s final home appearance, his Argentina story isn’t over:
- Final qualifier: Argentina will close their 2026 CONMEBOL qualifiers away against Ecuador.
- November 2025 friendlies: The Albiceleste are expected to organize international friendlies to fine-tune preparations.
- Finalissima 2026 vs Spain: Scheduled for March, this clash of continental champions will be another chance to see Messi in Argentina’s iconic No. 10 shirt.
- World Cup 2026: Hosted across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, this will almost certainly be Messi’s last major tournament.
In other words, his farewell is more of a farewell tour than a sudden goodbye.
Messi’s International Career: From Prodigy to World Champion
Messi’s Argentina career is one of the most fascinating arcs in sports history — filled with heartbreak, redemption, and ultimate glory.
Early Years (2005–2010)
- Debut: Made his senior debut in 2005 at just 18.
- 2006 World Cup: Youngest Argentina player to score at a World Cup.
- 2007 Copa América: Starred in Argentina’s run to the final but lost to Brazil.
- 2008 Olympics: Won gold with Argentina’s U-23 squad in Beijing.
At this stage, Messi was viewed as Maradona’s heir, but also criticized for failing to deliver senior silverware.
The Years of Frustration (2010–2016)
- 2010 World Cup: Eliminated by Germany in the quarterfinals.
- 2014 World Cup: Led Argentina to the final, won the Golden Ball, but lost to Germany in extra time.
- 2015 Copa América: Lost final to Chile.
- 2016 Copa América Centenario: Another heartbreaking loss to Chile on penalties; Messi briefly retired from international football.
This period was defined by the “Messi vs Maradona” debate — immense talent overshadowed by a perceived inability to win trophies with Argentina.
Redemption (2019–2022)
- 2019 Copa América: Finished third, but team showed signs of renewal under coach Lionel Scaloni.
- 2021 Copa América: Finally lifted a senior trophy, beating Brazil in the Maracanã. Messi finished as joint top scorer and top assist provider.
- 2022 Finalissima: Dominated Italy 3-0 at Wembley.
- 2022 FIFA World Cup: Completed his destiny by leading Argentina to glory in Qatar, scoring 7 goals and winning the Golden Ball.
This victory solidified Messi’s place alongside, if not above, Maradona in Argentina’s football pantheon.
Legacy in Numbers
- Caps: 186+ appearances (most in Argentina’s history).
- Goals: Over 100 international goals (all-time Argentina top scorer).
- Trophies:
- 1 FIFA World Cup (2022)
- 1 Copa América (2021)
- 1 Olympic Gold (2008)
- 1 Finalissima (2022)
Why World Cup 2026 Will Be Messi’s True “Last Dance”
The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be Messi’s final curtain call.
Age Factor
- He’ll be 39 years old during the tournament.
- Few players at that age have played at a World Cup, let alone carried a team.
Argentina’s Squad Depth
- Emerging stars like Julian Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, and Alejandro Garnacho will share the load.
- Messi may play a more creative, less physically demanding role — the conductor rather than the runner.
Tournament Expansion
- With 48 teams in the World Cup, the format will add more matches. Scaloni may carefully manage Messi’s minutes.
Emotional Weight
- For Messi, this isn’t just another tournament. It’s about:
- Defending Argentina’s title.
- Leaving the international stage on his own terms.
- Playing in a World Cup held partly in the U.S., where he currently plays his club football.
Messi’s Impact Beyond Trophies
Messi’s farewell isn’t just about football — it’s cultural.
- Global Icon: He’s more than a player; he’s a unifying figure across generations.
- Economic Impact: Argentina’s matches with Messi draw record attendances and TV audiences.
- Role Model: His humility, perseverance through failures, and comeback narrative resonate far beyond the sport.
For Argentina, Messi symbolizes hope fulfilled — the dream that Maradona left behind, finally completed in Qatar.
The Road Ahead: Argentina Without Messi
While Messi prepares for his last matches, Argentina is also preparing for life after him.
- Leadership Transition: Players like Lautaro Martínez and Rodrigo De Paul are already seen as emotional leaders.
- Tactical Evolution: Scaloni may gradually shift toward a system less reliant on Messi’s magic.
- Commercial Void: No other player carries Messi’s global appeal; Argentina’s branding will inevitably change.
But just as Maradona’s retirement didn’t end Argentina’s story, Messi’s farewell will open a new chapter.
Key Matches to Watch
| Date | Match | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 4, 2025 | Argentina vs Venezuela (Home) | Messi’s last home qualifier |
| Oct 2025 | Ecuador vs Argentina (Away) | Final qualifier, Messi’s last in CONMEBOL WCQ |
| Nov 2025 | International Friendlies | Warm-ups, potential farewell events |
| Mar 2026 | Argentina vs Spain (Finalissima) | Showpiece clash in Europe |
| Jun–Jul 2026 | FIFA World Cup 2026 | Messi’s true Last Dance |
The Farewell We All Knew Was Coming
Messi’s confirmation of his last home game with Argentina is more than just a football story. It’s the closing chapter of a career that has shaped the sport’s modern era.
- Fans in Buenos Aires will witness history on September 4.
- Argentina will carry him through one final World Cup journey in 2026.
- The legend of Lionel Messi will live on long after he leaves the pitch.
As he himself admitted, he doesn’t know exactly what comes next. But one thing is certain: the “Last Dance” of Lionel Messi with Argentina will be remembered as one of the most emotional goodbyes in the history of sport.
