Argentinian football icon Lionel Messi has suggested his upcoming World Cup qualifier against Venezuela could mark his final home appearance in such a match. Argentina has already secured a spot in next year’s World Cup and is set to face Venezuela at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium next Thursday, in the penultimate round of South American qualifiers. The final qualifier will be an away match against Ecuador on September 9th.
Messi acknowledged the significance of the match, stating it will be “a very, very special match for me because it’s the last qualifying match.” He also hinted at potentially stepping away from international football after next year’s World Cup, where Argentina will aim to defend their 2022 title. By the time qualifiers for the 2030 World Cup begin, Messi will be 40 years old.
He added, “I don’t know if there will be friendlies or more matches after (Venezuela), but it is a very special match, so my family will be there with me: my wife, my children, my parents, my siblings. We’re going to live it like that. I don’t know what will happen next.”
Following his recent statements, CONMEBOL, the South American football governing body, shared a tribute on social media, using the phrase “the last dance” alongside an image of Messi in his Argentina jersey. In anticipation of Messi’s potential final home appearance, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) is reportedly raising ticket prices, with entry-level tickets starting at $100 and premium seats reaching up to $500.