Messi Declares Argentina World Cup Qualifier Could Be His Final Campaign

Inter Miami and Argentina skipper Lionel Messi has acknowledged that the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Venezuela at the Estadio Monumental next week may mark his last competitive international appearance on Argentine soil.

Messi celebrated his 38th birthday in June, and while he continues to shine in Major League Soccer, even the legendary player cannot escape the inevitable march of time. The seasoned striker has previously announced his retirement from international football on two occasions and has consistently stated that the 2022 World Cup would mark his final tournament.

Claiming victory in the Qatar tournament altered his resolute position. Surrounded by a wealth of gifted teammates who feel privileged to share the field with someone they admired growing up, Messi was persuaded to continue his international career.

Whether he will participate in the upcoming tournament across North America next summer remains uncertain, but the gifted left-footed player seems to have dismissed the possibility of assisting his country through another qualification process after 2026.

Following his two-goal performance that propelled Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup final on Wednesday, Messi was questioned about whether Argentina's match against Venezuela next week would be his final World Cup qualifier in Buenos Aires. "Yes, it will be meaningful, an incredibly meaningful match for me since it's the final qualifier game," he shared with Apple TV.

"I'm uncertain if there will be friendlies or additional matches following this, but indeed, it's an incredibly meaningful match, which is why my family will accompany me - my spouse, my children, my parents, my brothers and sisters, plus as many relatives as we can gather from my wife's family, and we'll share this experience together. Beyond that, as I mentioned, I'm unsure what lies ahead, but we're approaching it with this perspective. Thank you."

Argentina will face Venezuela before traveling to Ecuador five days afterward. Whatever the results of these matches, Messi's country has already secured the top position in South American qualifying.