Lionel Messi broke down in tears as he brought his family out before Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying game against Venezuela on Thursday (4 September), in what was the 38-year old’s last game on Argentine soil.
Messi later scored a brace to help Argentina to a comfortable 3-0 victory, with the Albiceleste having already booked qualification for next year’s global showpiece in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
After the victory, the former Barcelona man finally confirmed that it was his final game in Argentina.
The two-time Copa America winner, Messi, was given a fitting tribute by the local Argentine before the match as 80,000 fans gave him a standing ovation and cheered his name. They also hoisted a huge banner in his honour.
The outpouring of love from the fans made Messi extremely emotional as he was getting ready to take the pitch for the Argentina team. He was seen shedding tears on the camera as fans cheered for him.
Messi remains coy on 2026 World Cup participation
After the match, Messi was asked about whether he would be playing in the 2026 World Cup. He gave a vague reply to the question. “We’ll see,” Messi said.
He went on to confirm that the Venezuela match was his final home game. “There are so many emotions, I’ve experienced so many things on this field,” Messi said after Argentina’s match. “It’s always a joy to play in Argentina with our people. We’ve been enjoying match after match for many years. I’m very happy; being able to finish in this way here is what I always dreamed of.