The Record at Stake

Lionel Messi will bid farewell to the South American Qualifiers with the chance to add another milestone to his legacy. The Argentine is already the all-time top scorer in the competition, but he doesn’t yet hold the record for the most appearances. That honor belongs to Ecuador’s former captain Iván Hurtado, who played 72 qualifying matches.

Messi heads into the upcoming doubleheader against Venezuela (September 4 in Buenos Aires) and Ecuador (September 9 in Quito) with 71 official appearances in Qualifiers. By simply setting foot on the field in both games, he would reach 73 matches and become the player with the most appearances in the history of South American World Cup qualifying.

A Special Farewell in Buenos Aires

Messi himself acknowledged the emotional weight of the match against Venezuela at River Plate’s Monumental Stadium: “Yes, it will be special, it will be a very special match for me because it’s my last Qualifier. I don’t know if there will be friendlies or more matches afterward, but it will be very special, and that’s why my family will be there with me.”

Argentina is already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, but the match has become more of a tribute to its captain. More than 85,000 fans will be in attendance to bid farewell to the man who ended a decades-long title drought and brought glory back to the Albiceleste.

A Legacy That Transcends

At 37 years old, Messi not only tops the scoring charts in Qualifiers, but also stands as the symbol of a generation that lifted the 2021 Copa América, the Finalissima, and the 2022 World Cup. Surpassing Hurtado in appearances would be the perfect closing chapter to a journey that cements him as the ultimate figure in South American football.

Coach Lionel Scaloni summed it up: “Let’s enjoy him while we have him. He has earned the right to decide when to stop, and he will have all our support.” A phrase that captures what Argentina will experience in a night destined to be unforgettable.