Lionel Messi’s international career is nearing its final stage, as the Tango legend hinted that the upcoming match against Venezuela in the World Cup qualifiers might be his last appearance on home soil wearing the national team jersey.

Messi said after one of his matches with Inter Miami: “It is a very special match for me because it is the last in the qualifiers. I don’t know if there will be friendly matches later or more games, but it is a special match and that’s why my family will accompany me.” These words strongly suggested that the end of his journey with Argentina is near.

For many years, Messi endured immense pressure due to constant comparisons with Diego Maradona and chased the dream of ending Argentina’s trophy drought since 1993. He lost the 2014 World Cup final to Germany, then fell twice consecutively in the Copa America finals against Chile in 2015 and 2016, which led him to announce his international retirement before reversing his decision.

The major turning point came in 2021 when he led his country to win the Copa America against Brazil at Maracanã Stadium, then added the ‘Finalissima’ title against Italy in 2022. In the same year, he made history by leading the Tango to win the World Cup in Qatar after a legendary final against France, immortalizing his image lifting the most prestigious trophy. Success continued with winning the 2024 Copa America in the United States.

The highly anticipated match between Argentina and Venezuela will take place early Friday, September 5, 2025, at 2:30 AM Cairo and Mecca time, as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.