Lionel Messi experienced an emotional night at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, where he led the Argentine national team with two goals in a 3-0 victory over Venezuela, in what many believe may have been his last appearance in a World Cup qualifier on home soil. 

The Rosario-born star, now 38 years old, thanked the fans for the love he has received throughout his career and admitted, “to be able to finish like this here is what I always dreamed of,” hinting that his farewell from the Albiceleste could be getting closer.

Although he did not officially confirm the date of his retirement, Messi acknowledged that this could be his final home qualifier and that his continuity until the 2026 World Cup will depend solely on how he feels physically in the coming months.

“If I feel good, I’ll be there; if not, I’d rather not,” declared the Argentine captain, who also reaffirmed that his priority will always be to maintain the competitive level that has defined him.

His coach, Lionel Scaloni, was also visibly moved and stated that if this was Messi’s last match in Argentina, it will be remembered as a tribute worthy of his greatness, adding, “let’s enjoy Messi while we have him, because he deserves everything.”

With qualification already secured, Argentina closed the South American campaign with 38 points, while Messi reached 36 goals in these qualifiers, consolidating himself as the all-time leading scorer in the tournament’s history. The possible farewell of the number 10 brings mixed emotions among fans: on one hand, the sadness of imagining the departure of an eternal idol; on the other, gratitude for having witnessed an unforgettable era in the history of Argentine and world football.