Lionel Messi Hints at Retirement as Argentina Prepares for World Cup Qualifier

Lionel Messi has hinted that his next World Cup qualifier against Venezuela may be his final home match. As Argentina prepares for this significant event, Messi reflects on the emotional weight of the game, suggesting he might retire from international football after the World Cup. With ticket prices soaring for this anticipated match, fans are eager to witness what could be a historic farewell. Messi's family will be present to support him, adding to the emotional atmosphere. As the football world watches closely, Messi's legacy continues to grow.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 31, 2025, 10:04 IST

Messi's Emotional Farewell to Home Fans

Lionel Messi, the iconic footballer from Argentina, has not yet made an official announcement regarding his retirement. However, he has indicated that the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Venezuela might be his final home match in this context. Argentina has already qualified for next year's World Cup and is set to play Venezuela next Thursday at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, marking the penultimate round of South American qualifiers. The last qualifier will take place away against Ecuador on September 9.

Messi, now 38, expressed his feelings about the match, stating, "It’s going to be a very, very special match for me because it’s the last qualifying match."

He also suggested that he might retire from international football following the World Cup, where Argentina aims to defend their title won in Qatar in 2022. By the time the qualifiers for the 2030 World Cup roll around in 2027, Messi will be 40 years old.

Reflecting on the significance of the match, Messi mentioned, "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."

Following his remarks, CONMEBOL, the governing body for football in South America, paid tribute to Messi on social media, referring to the match as "the last dance," accompanied by a photo of him in the Argentina jersey.

Additionally, there are reports that the Argentine Football Association (AFA) is raising ticket prices for this significant event, with entry-level tickets starting at $100 and premium seats reaching up to $500.