Lionel Messi bows out at home in Argentina after 3‑0 qualifier win
When Lionel Messi stepped onto the pitch at the Estadio Monumental on September 4, 2025, the atmosphere was electric and bittersweet. The 38‑year‑old captain of the Argentina national football team and star of Inter Miami CF confirmed that this would be his final competitive match on Argentine soil, a farewell that felt more like a testimonial than a qualifier. In a 3‑0 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier over the Venezuela national football team, Messi netted twice – his 113th and 114th goals for La Albiceleste – before the final whistle echoed through a crowd of roughly 75,000 fans.
Background: Messi’s home career and the road to this night
Messi’s bond with the Monumental stretches back to his debut at age 16 on August 17, 2005, a match against Hungary that kicked off a 20‑year odyssey. He has since become Argentina’s all‑time leading scorer (114 goals in 180 appearances) and the most‑capped player, surpassing Javier Zanetti’s record in 2021. The Argentine side had already clinched a berth for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in March 2025, so the September qualifier carried little at stake – yet the symbolism was huge. "I knew it was the last time here for the points," Messi said, eyes glistening, "today was the last one for points here."
The match: How the drama unfolded
Coach Lionel Scaloni lined up a forward‑heavy formation, banking on Messi’s creativity and the service of rising stars. In the 39th minute, a pass from Julián Álvarez found Messi in the box, and he slotted home his 113th international goal. Twelve minutes later, Lautaro Martínez – the Lautaro Martínez of Inter Milan – doubled the lead. Messi completed his brace in the 68th minute after a swift one‑two with Enzo Fernández (Enzo Fernández of Chelsea), sealing a 3‑0 triumph that felt like a storybook ending.
Reactions from players, coaches and fans
"It's a privilege to share the field with the greatest of all time," said teammate Julián Álvarez in a post‑match interview. Even the opposition was humbled. Venezuela’s coach remarked, "Messi gave us a masterclass, and we were honored to be part of his last home game." Scaloni, who guided Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title, called the night "a tribute to a legend who gave everything for this shirt." Fans flooded social media with tributes, many posting photos of the iconic blue and white stripes and the lone figure of Messi waving to the stands.
Implications for the 2026 World Cup
With qualification secured, the real question now circles Messi’s possible appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the first edition to feature 48 teams across the United States, Canada and Mexico. When asked, Messi answered with a cautious "we'll see," noting his MLS schedule runs until October 19, 2025, followed by a preseason that could leave six months before the tournament kickoff on June 11, 2026. His age, injury history, and the physical toll of MLS travel are all variables. Football analyst Javier González of the Argentine Sports Institute warned, "If Messi can stay fit through the playoffs in December, Argentina will have a chance to field a 38‑year‑old phenomenon, but they must also plan for a successor."
Looking ahead: Messi’s next steps and Argentina’s build‑up
Messi confirmed he will sit out the final qualifier against Ecuador on September 9, 2025, choosing to focus on Inter Miami’s pursuit of a playoff spot. The MLS club, co‑owned by David Beckham, hopes his presence will boost both on‑field performance and commercial revenue. Meanwhile, the Argentine Football Association, led by President Claudio Tapia, will begin assembling a squad for the World Cup, likely keeping Messi in the mix until a final decision is made in May 2026.
- September 4, 2025 – Messi scores 2 goals in 3‑0 win over Venezuela.
- 114 career goals – most in Argentine history.
- Argentina qualified for 2026 World Cup on March 26, 2025.
- Messi’s MLS season ends October 19, 2025; playoffs run through December 7.
- World Cup kicks off June 11, 2026 in North America.
The broader picture: A legend’s farewell and the future of Argentine football
Messi’s home send‑off underscores a transition period for La Albiceleste. The team now leans on a new generation – Álvarez, Fernández, and the midfield engine of Alexis Mac Allister – to fill the creative void. The emotional weight of Messi’s departure could galvanize the squad, much like Diego Maradona’s retirement did in the early 1990s. Yet the pressure is on Scaloni to maintain the winning formula without the Argentine’s direct influence on the pitch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Messi’s possible absence affect Argentina’s chances at the 2026 World Cup?
If Messi stays fit, he could still be a decisive factor, especially in tight knockout games. However, Argentina has built a solid core of younger talent, and a Messi‑free squad would rely on collective play and strategic depth, which could make them more unpredictable but also less reliant on a single star.
What does the 3‑0 victory over Venezuela mean for Argentina’s qualification status?
The win was essentially a formality; Argentina had already secured a spot in June 2025. The match served more as a morale boost and a ceremonial farewell for Messi than a points‑crucial encounter.
When is the next time Messi could play for Argentina?
Messi said he will skip the final qualifier on September 9, 2025, to focus on his MLS duties. The next opportunity would be a pre‑World Cup friendly in early 2026, should he be cleared medically and opt in.
How has Messi’s move to Inter Miami impacted his performance?
Since joining Inter Miami in July 2023, Messi has tallied 32 goals in 45 games and helped the club capture the 2023 Leagues Cup. The MLS schedule, with its travel demands, may affect his stamina, but it also provides a competitive environment that keeps him match‑fit.
What legacy does Messi leave for future Argentine players?
Messi’s record of 114 goals, a World Cup title, and his sportsmanship set a benchmark for professionalism. His journey from a teenage debut to a home‑soil farewell illustrates the power of perseverance, inspiring the next wave of talent to aim for global greatness.
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