‘Very very special’ - Lionel Messi set to play ‘last’ home game with Argentina in WCQ

One of the greatest players to have ever kicked a football Lionel Messi has announced what it will feel like representing his country in a probable last home game in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The 38-year-old led his native Argentina to another FIFA World Cup triumph in Qatar 2022, overcoming a resilient French team on penalties, 36 years since the Albiceleste last won the title in 1986. 

Messi who joined Inter Miami from PSG has battled with injuries that has kept him out of key World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil, but the Albicelestes were still too good for the Samba Boys, thrashing them 4-1 en-route sealing qualification for the global showpiece in Canada, Mexico, and USA.

Argentina currently lead the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) table with 35 points from 16 games (won 11, drawn 2, lost 3) and are already guaranteed a chance to defend their title at next year’s edition of the FIFA World Cup. 

Messi, who is Argentina’s talisman, could find himself playing in what might be his last home game in a World Cup qualifier with Argentina and for him it would be a special moment not just for him but his family.

He said: "It's going to be a very, very special match for me because it's the last qualifying match," Lionel Messi told reporters after his two goals successfully helped Inter Miami secure a 3-1 victory over Orlando City to reach the Leagues Cup.

"I don't know if there will be friendlies or more matches after [Venezuela], but it is a very special match, so my family will be there with me: my wife, my children, my parents, my siblings. We're going to live it like that. I don't know what will happen next."

Although Lionel Messi has not announced his retirement from international football, the 2026 edition is likely to be his last for the former Barcelona star.

Argentina have two more games in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers to prosecute: first, is a home game against Venezuela on September 5th before going away to face second-placed Ecuador five days later.  

Considering that the Venezuela game might be Messi’s last home game in a World Cup Qualifier, the Argentina Football Association is reportedly taking advantage of the situation by raising ticket prices to as high as $500, per ESPN.