Messi says ‘farewell’ in Argentina but is yet to decide on playing in the World Cup

It was last month when Lionel Messi spoke about a very special night. Ahead of the match against Venezuela, he said, "For me, this will be a very, very special match. Because it will be my last (home) match in the qualifiers." By then, it had already become clear that not just the World Cup qualifiers, but this match could very well be Messi's final competitive appearance on Argentine soil wearing the national jersey. So, by local Argentine time, the night was indeed a special one for Messi.

By Bangladesh time, that night was this morning. The legend took the field against Venezuela. His family was in the stands. During the national anthem, his three sons stood beside him. And around the stadium, the thunderous chants echoed: "Olé, olé, olé... Messi, Messi, Messi!" What more could one ask for after a 20-year career?

Well, maybe the Copa América and the World Cup — which Messi has already delivered, fulfilling his promise to the Argentine people. Now, he stands at the twilight of his career. As he played what might be his final competitive home game in the World Cup qualifiers today, some are already beginning to count down the days to the end. There was a similar tone in Messi's own words. After scoring twice in the 3–0 win over Venezuela, he said, "I've always dreamed of ending things like this… in my own country, surrounded by my own people."

Messi was asked whether he would play in the 2026 World Cup. His response was, "Let's see." Speaking about playing what could be his last official game on home soil, the legend said, "It's very emotional. A lot happened out there on the pitch. Playing in front of my own people in Argentina has always been a joy. For years, we've enjoyed the matches like this. Finishing it this way feels good — something I always dreamed of."

Messi went on to say, "A lot has been said over the years, but I'll hold on to only the good memories. Whatever this team has tried to do — it's been a beautiful time for us. Today was the final match (at home) for points."

On the 2026 World Cup, Messi echoed what he's said before — he wants to take it day by day: "The same thing I've said before about the World Cup — I don't think I'll be able to play another one. Because of my age. The biggest reason is, I won't be able to keep up. But there's not much time left. I'm still motivated by the idea of playing (in the World Cup). As I've said, I take things one day at a time, one match at a time."

Messi then explained, "What matters most is to go day by day, to feel good, and to be honest with myself. If I feel good, I enjoy playing. If I don't, I don't play. So if I don't feel good, not being there (at the World Cup) would be my preference. Let's see what happens, I haven't made a decision yet."

He added, "I'll finish the season match by match. Then I'll have pre-season and six months will remain. Let's see what happens. Hopefully, the 2026 pre-season goes well, and so does the MLS season. Then I'll decide."

On 10 September, Argentina will face Ecuador. That will be Lionel Scaloni's team's final match in the World Cup qualifiers, and it will be played in Ecuador. Messi has already confirmed that he will not play in that match.