Lionel Messi is likely to play his last competitive game on the home floor for Argentina when the Venezuela assumes, in Buenos Aires, in an FIFA World Cup 2026 -qualification match, and an emotional Lionel Scaloni said he earns a special reception when he picks up the field.
The World Cup-winning Albiceleste captain has not confirmed any date for his international pension, but last week it confirmed that the game against Venezuela will probably be his last time to play at home in Argentina Colors.
«Yes, this is a match that Leo said it is emotional, special, fun because it is true that it is our last qualifying match,» said Scaloni, wiping his tears during a media appearance. “We must enjoy it as we have always said.
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“More than anyone else, I will enjoy it. To be able to coach him to be honestly, and let’s hope that fans who go to the stadium will also enjoy it because he really deserves it.
«Tomorrow will be a nice match. Exciting. I am sure it will not be his last game in Argentina, and I say that if he decides it is the last game, we play another because it is clear to do that at the right time and because he deserves it.»
Despite no official confirmation, reports suggest that Messi withdraws from the national team after next year’s world cup, where Argentina will defend the title.
The qualifications for the World Cup 2030 start in 2027, when the Inter Miami star will be 40 years old.
Will the finalissima happen?
While Argentina is looking ahead to the World Cup, Scaloni said that from now on there are no concrete plans for the preparations for the team prior to the four -year event.
Asked if the Finalissima will take place against the European Champion Spain, Scaloni said: «It is not certain that the game will be played because it is still not clear whether Spain will end as group leaders (in UEFA qualification). If they are not group leaders in March, the game cannot be played.
“And it’s the same with June. We have to find teams to play if we want to play them here. It is not easy to let teams play here. It is the same old problem that we have always had, especially after the introduction of the Nations League, where Europeans play among themselves. We do not have the opportunity to play to Europe because they are all busy.
Published on 04 September 2025
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