Is Messi’s Retirement Getting Closer?

It’s the big question on many minds, and as time passes, it’s increasingly clear that the end of his career is approaching. Lionel Messi is playing what are likely his final matches as a footballer, and he himself has been setting the pace for this farewell. His recent statements after the Leagues Cup semifinals speak volumes.

What the Number “10” Said About the World Cup Qualifiers with Argentina

Lionel Messi confirmed that next Thursday’s match against Venezuela will be his final home game with the Argentina national team in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers. This has led many to believe that the FIFA World Cup 2026 will also be his last.

“Yes, it’s going to be special, a very special match for me because it’s the last one in the Qualifiers. I don’t know if there will be friendlies or more matches afterward,” the footballer said when asked about the game on Thursday, September 4, at the Monumental.

“But it will be a very special match, which is why my family will be there: my wife, my children, my parents, my siblings, and everyone who can make it. We’re going to experience it that way, and then I don’t know what will happen,” he added.

This final remark from Messi, “I don’t know what will happen,” even opens the possibility that he might not play in the World Cup, though this seems unlikely given his involvement throughout the qualification process for the tournament set to take place in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

All of Messi’s Matches and Goals with Argentina

Lionel Messi is synonymous with glory for the Argentina national team. With the Albiceleste, he has won four historic titles: the Copa América 2021, the Finalissima 2022 against Italy at Wembley, the Qatar 2022 World Cup, and the Copa América 2024 in Miami.

To date, Messi has played 193 official matches for Argentina and scored 112 goals, cementing his status as the country’s all-time leading goalscorer.