Lionel Messi delivered a fitting farewell to Argentina fans in what he confirmed was his final competitive home appearance, scoring twice in a 3-0 win over Venezuela at the Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires.
The 38-year-old, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history, admitted before the game that the occasion would be “very, very special.” He couldn’t hold back tears as fans chanted his name during the warm-up, with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their children watching proudly from the stands.
After the match, Messi reflected on his future, hinting that retirement could come before the 2026 World Cup.
“Same as I said before about the World Cup — I don’t think I’ll play another,” Messi told reporters. “Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won’t make it. But we’re almost there, so I’m excited and motivated to play it. I go day by day, depending on how I feel.”
He added: “If I feel good, I enjoy it. If I feel bad, I prefer not to be here. I’ll finish the season, then have preseason, and with six months to go before the World Cup, I’ll decide.”
Messi described the night as a dream come true: “It’s clear today was the last one with points at stake here. A lot of things happened, but being able to finish this way, celebrating with my people, was what I always dreamed of.”
Roccuzzo paid tribute to her husband on Instagram, writing: “Proud of you, every step you take and everything you built with love and effort. How lucky are we to be with you on this path!!! We love you.”
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, who was moved to tears ahead of the match, praised his captain: “Having been able to coach him has honestly been a pleasure. He earned the right to decide when to stop. He will always have support.”
Argentina face Ecuador next week, but Messi will sit out as he prepares for the next phase of his career.
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