Lionel Messi drops major hint on future ahead of Argentina’s final World Cup qualifier at home: ‘Don’t know what…’

Though he is yet to officially announce his retirement plans, Lionel Messi has hinted at the possibility of hanging up his boots sooner rather than later. The iconic forward, after all, has labelled Argentina’s final home game in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign as one that is going to be a “special” occasion for him, leading to speculation of the game being his last for his nation in front of a home crowd.

“It’s going to be a very, very special match for me because it’s the last qualifying match,” the talismanic forward said on Wednesday after Inter Miami defeated Orlando City to progress to the Leagues Cup final.

Argentina face Venezuela in their final World Cup qualifying game at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Thursday, 4 September. The upcoming fixture doesn’t carry much significance for the three-time world champions, who have already qualified for next year’s 48-team World Cup that will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The Argentines had confirmed their title defence in next year’s tournament with a 4-1 thrashing of arch-rivals and five-time world champions Brazil in March earlier this year. ‘La Albiceleste’ currently lead the South American World Cup qualifying table with a 10-point margin, having collected 35 points in 16 games so far with 11 wins, two draws and three losses.

Messi not sure if Argentina have home friendlies planned out or not

Argentina play their final qualifying game against Ecuador away on 10 September, and it’s not clear whether they will be playing friendlies at home in the months thereafter, until the World Cup kicks off in North America.

“I don’t know if there will be friendlies or more matches after (Venezuela), but it is a very special match, so my family will be there with me: my wife, my children, my parents, my siblings. We’re going to live it like that. I don’t know what will happen next,” the former Barcelona star added.

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Messi has hinted at bidding international football goodbye after the World Cup next year in order to focus on his club career. By the time the qualifiers for the 2030 FIFA World Cup get underway, he will be 40 years old, making it highly unlikely for him to continue representing his nation at that point.

CONMEBOL, meanwhile, have reacted to Messi’s recent statements by sharing a picture of Messi in an Argentina jersey with the caption, “the last dance is coming”. Additionally, the Argentina Football Association (AFA), is trying to cash in on what could be Messi’s final international appearance at home by substantially raising ticket prices, the cheapest going for US$100.