While Inter Miami, and especially Luis Suárez, continue to face criticism following the events at the conclusion of the Leagues Cup Final, Lionel Messi took his own path to Argentina to compete in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers. This FIFA International Break will be highly emotional for the Argentine “10,” as he himself revealed that he would play his final qualifying match in his home country.

Messi reported to the Albiceleste

Just over 12 hours after watching the Seattle Sounders thrash Inter Miami, Messi arrived in Buenos Aires. While this was happening, all media outlets were debating the behavior of his teammate and friend, Luis Suárez, who was seen in various videos apparently spitting at a member of the opposing team’s staff.

Among the various videos, Sergio Busquets was also spotted in the middle of the brawl that marked the end of the match. However, the Argentine has not commented on the matter, and the league has yet to issue a statement regarding any possible sanctions.

Amid this scenario, Messi joined Lionel Scaloni for training to prepare for the match against Venezuela, which will take place at a Monumental Stadium that is sure to be packed to the rafters.

The Argentine star surprised at a theater 

Lionel Messi, who has already played 45 matches and scored 35 goals for the national team in his country, took advantage of this downtime to attend the Lola Membrives Theater. There, he enjoyed the play “Rocky,” starring Nicolás Vázquez, a well-known Argentine actor and close friend of the national team captain.

The Rosario native surprised everyone with his presence in the theater. Ahead of what will be his final home match with the light blue and white jersey in the World Cup Qualifiers against Venezuela, Messi received a standing ovation from the audience as soon as he was recognized among the crowd.

At the end of the performance, Vázquez invited the star to the stage. Messi, accompanied by his family after a training session at the AFA facilities in Ezeiza, once again became the center of attention and applause.

The Argentina vs. Venezuela match

The Argentine national football team, already qualified for the 2026 World Cup for months, will face Venezuela this Thursday at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, in a historic match: it will be Lionel Messi’s final official match with the Albiceleste in Argentina.

The 38-year-old Argentine star confirmed last week that the clash against La Vinotinto will be his last home game in the South American Qualifiers, making it a special farewell for Argentine fans.

“It’s going to be 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,” Messi said in an interview with Apple TV.

Argentina’s lineup to bid farewell to Messi at the Monumental

Lionel Scaloni is preparing a team featuring several of his regular stars:

Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez will be the goalkeeper.

In defense: Nicolás Tagliafico, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, and Nicolás Otamendi (with Leonardo Balerdi as an alternative).

In midfield: Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, and Leandro Paredes will fill in for the suspended Enzo Fernández.

In attack: Messi will form a trident with Julián Álvarez and Thiago Almada.

Scaloni has also used these final 2026 South American Qualifiers matches to give playing time to young talents like Claudio Echeverri, Nicolás Paz, Julio Soler, Valentín Carboni, and Franco Mastantuono.

Venezuela aims to make history in the 2026 Qualifiers

La Vinotinto, coached by Fernando “Bocha” Batista, arrives in seventh place with 18 points, dreaming of qualifying for a World Cup for the first time in their history. If they maintain their position, they would compete in the repechage for the 2026 World Cup.

Despite a recent loss to Uruguay, Venezuela comes off important victories against Bolivia and Peru. Batista will field nearly the same squad as the last matchday, except for the absence of midfielder José Andrés Martínez.

The Argentine coach acknowledged the special significance of Messi’s farewell but urged his players to maintain maximum focus:

“We’ve gotten this far without anyone handing us anything. These are opportunities to make history.”

A historic match in Buenos Aires

With Argentina already qualified for the World Cup and not needing to play the 2030 Qualifiers as a host nation, this Argentina vs. Venezuela match marks Messi’s farewell to official home games with the Albiceleste.

The match will be the last before the Scaloneta continues its preparation to defend their title at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.