Lionel Messi has made his strongest hint to date that he might retire from global football after the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
Argentina, who secured qualification for the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada earlier, host Venezuela at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on September 4 before concluding their qualifying campaign against Ecuador on September 9.
"It (the Venezuela clash) is going to be a very, very special game for me because it's the final qualifying game," said the 38-year-old striker in a post-match interview after guiding Inter Miami into the Leagues Cup final.
Messi confirmed his family will attend the Venezuela match, recognizing that it could be his last opportunity to play before home fans. "I don't know if there will be friendlies or another match [following Venezuela], but it is a very special match, so my wife, my children, my parents, my siblings will be there with me," he explained.
The Argentina skipper has already suggested in the past that defending the World Cup title in 2026 would be his final move on the international stage. Messis next set of qualifiers will not start until 2027, and by that year he would be 40 years old.
His comments were endorsed by CONMEBOL on Thursday when the South American football union shared the line "the last dance is coming" with a photo of Messi wearing Argentina colors.
M Messi, who has won a record eight Ballon d'Or honours, is Argentina's most-capped player and all-time highest scorer. His most significant honour was in December 2022, when he guided Albiceleste to their third World Cup win in Qatar, forever etching his name as one of the greatest ever footballers.
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