'Very special match for me' - Argentina, Inter Miami star Lionel Messi indicates September could mark last World Cup Qualifier at home

Lionel Messi hasn't officially announced when he plans on retiring from the Argentina national team, but he is aware that Argentina’s Sept. 4 clash against Venezuela at the Estadio Monumental could be his final World Cup Qualifier on home soil.

Speaking to Apple TV after Inter Miami’s 3-1 semifinal win over Orlando City in the Leagues Cup, where he scored twice, the 37-year-old admitted the occasion in Buenos Aires will carry unique weight.

“Yes, it’s going to be special, a very special match for me because it’s the last one of the Qualifiers. I don’t know if there will be any friendlies or more matches after that,” Messi said. “My wife, my kids, my parents, my siblings - everyone will be there. We’re going to experience it that way. After that, I don’t know what will happen.”

Argentina have already booked their ticket to the 2026 World Cup, leading the CONMEBOL standings with 35 points, ten ahead of Ecuador and Brazil. That cushion means their final two fixtures, against Venezuela and Ecuador, come with little sporting pressure but plenty of emotion.

If it is a farewell at Monumental, it will mark another milestone in Messi’s extraordinary international journey. With Argentina, he has lifted the 2022 World Cup, two Copa América titles (2021 and 2024), and the 2022 Finalissima. His crowning moment came in Qatar, where he captained the Albiceleste to their third world championship.

For Messi, the Sept. 4 qualifier will be less about points and more about family, celebration, and closure.

The Herons will play the final for the Leagues Cup title on Sunday against either the Seattle Sounders.