SRINAGAR: Lionel Messi has given his clearest indication yet that he will retire from international football after leading Argentina at next year’s FIFA World Cup in the United States, according to several media reports.
The 38-year-old captain said Argentina’s final home qualifier against Venezuela on 4 September at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires would hold special significance, describing it as possibly his last opportunity to play in front of home fans. “It’s going to be a very, very special match for me because it’s the last qualifying match,” Messi told reporters, as reported by Xinhua News.
He confirmed that his family, including his wife, children, parents and siblings, would attend the Venezuela clash. “I don’t know if there will be friendlies or more matches after Venezuela, but it is a very special match,” he added.
Messi has previously signalled that Argentina’s title defence in 2026 would likely mark the end of his international career. By the time qualifiers for the 2030 World Cup begin, he will be 40.
South American football’s governing body CONMEBOL echoed his remarks on Thursday, posting “the last dance is coming” alongside a photo of Messi in Argentina colours.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is Argentina’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer. His crowning moment came in December 2022, when he captained the Albiceleste to their third World Cup triumph in Qatar.
