Buenos Aires, Aug 29 (IANS) — Lionel Messi has suggested that the 2026 FIFA World Cup could be his final appearance in international football, offering his clearest hint yet at retirement from the national team.
With Argentina already qualified for the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the Albiceleste will face Venezuela on September 4 at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium before wrapping up qualifiers against Ecuador on September 9.
Speaking after guiding Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup final, the 38-year-old forward said the Venezuela fixture would carry special significance.
“It’s going to be a very, very special match for me because it’s the last qualifying match,” Messi told reporters. “My wife, children, parents, and siblings will all be there. I don’t know if there will be friendlies or other games afterward, but this one will be different.”
Messi has previously hinted that Argentina’s title defense in 2026 would likely be his last major tournament. By the time the next qualification cycle begins in 2027, the legendary forward will be 40.
South America’s football governing body CONMEBOL appeared to echo Messi’s sentiment, sharing a post on social media with the words “the last dance is coming,” alongside his image in an Argentina shirt.
Winner of a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, Messi is both Argentina’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer. His greatest triumph came in Qatar in December 2022, when he lifted the World Cup trophy after leading Argentina to its third global title.
