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It was an unforgettable night at the Monumental Stadium, since Lionel Messi obtained an orthopedic device in what could supposedly be his final competitive game on Argentine soil in style.
The game ended 3-0 in favor of Argentina to seal its classification victory of the World Cup over Venezuela on Thursday.
Messi delivered a vintage performance along with Lautaro Martínez, who added the third goal, before being visibly moved when he went to fans.
“So many emotions” – Lionel Messi
After the game, Messi admitted that he was overwhelmed by the occasion:
“There are so many emotions that I have experienced so many things in this field. It is always a joy to play in Argentina with our people.”
“We have been enjoying the game after a game for many years. I am very happy; being able to finish this way here is what I always dreamed.”
The Inter Miami star continued, stating that, although her heart wants her to continue, age and physical state will finally decide her world cup future.
“Due to my age, the most logical thing is that I will not [to the 2026 World Cup]”Messi said.
“But well, we are almost there, so I’m excited and motivated to play. As I always say, I’m going to day, going through how I feel.”
Messi also reflected on how he had longed for the same love and admiration of his native crowd he had received in Barcelona.
“For many years, I had the affection of Barcelona, and my dream was to have it here too, in my country with my people. For many years, many things were said, but well, I will stay with everything good. Everything we lived was beautiful. Today was the last one by points here.”
There is no final qualifier – Lionel Messi to rest
Argentina, which has already sealed the qualification for the 2026 FIFA World CupHe will face Ecuador in Guayaquil in his last qualifier. Messi confirmed that he will not play in that game:
“I talked to [Argentina head coach Lionel] Scaloni, and he decided that he should rest, not travel to Ecuador because I am recovering from a [hamstring] injury.”
“We prefer to avoid the trip and prepare for what is well rested.”
Messi’s approach now becomes the MLS of Inter Miami campaign after the international breakup
The way ahead
While Argentina heads the Conmebolly classification with 38 points of 17 gamesMessi insists that he will take the coming months to see if he is sufficiently fit for the World Cup.
“I will finish the season, then I will have preseason, and it will remain six months. So, we will see how I feel lucky, I will have a good preseason in 2026 and it will end well this season of the MLS, and then I will decide.”
Messi, Argentina leader of all time and most covered playerHe debuted in the 2006 World Cup when he was a teenager and finally fulfilled his life of a lifetime raising the trophy in Qatar in 2022.
