On Thursday Argentina defeated Venezuela 3–0 in Buenos Aires on MatchDay 17 of the 2026 World Cup qualifications In South America. The biggest star of the night was Lionel Messi, who scored a brace And later talked about the reality that his time with the national team is approaching his end.
“I feel many things, many emotions, knowing that it was the last official competition here,” The attacker said in a post game interview on the field at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. ‘I have experienced a lot in this stadium – some good moments, and some not so good. It is always a pleasure to play for our people, especially after winning titles. We have enjoyed every competition for many years. I am very happy. “
It was a special evening for Messi, which was shown on TV cameras that cried during Warming -Ups. ‘I’m not ready for thisAnd that is a part of what I felt when I came to the field, “ Leo admitted. “It is not something I love, or want, or look forward to it. But time passes – it was many years ago.”
The 38-year-old star also thought about his journey with two decades with Argentina And expressed the satisfaction of what he has achieved. “Being here to end here is what I have always dreamed of – with my people,“Said Messi. “For many years I had the love of the people in Barcelona, and I still do that, but my dream was to have that here in my country, with my people.”
Lionel Messi and his children, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro watch prior to the South -American FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying match between Argentina and Venezuela.
Will Messi play in the World Cup 2026?
In the same interview after the interview, Messi Was asked if it is certain that he will play in the FIFA World Cup 2026. “No,” He reacted bluntly. “I said it in 2022, after we became champions. Given my age, the most logical that I won’t make it. But we are hopeful.“
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He continued to break down the factors that will go into his decision. “This year we had many games. Now I came back from an injury and I was able to play three straight matches,” he said. “At the moment it is about going day after day, try to feel good – and above all, Being honest with myself. If I feel good, I enjoy it. And if I don’t do that, I suffer and I prefer not to be. “
As for what is next, Messi made it clear that his focus is now going back to Inter Miami. “We will end the season at the end of the year, and then we have the preseason. That leaves six months to go for the World Cup,” He explained. “We’ll see. I will try to finish the MLS tournament strongly, to become a champion and then go through the preseason. “
What is the next step for Argentina
After their victory over Venezuela, Argentina has only left one match in the World Cup qualifications. It will take place next Tuesday when they visit Ecuador In Guayaquil. Although the game has little competitive weight – both teams have already protected their spots in the 2026 tournament – it could have an important meaning for Messi for two important reasons.
When he plays, Leo would be the leader of all time in South American qualifications with 73 games. He currently shares the first place with Ecuador icon Ivan Hurtado. Moreover, stepping on the Messi field would give the chance to score again and its position if the Top scorer in this edition of the tournament– An achievement that he has never achieved before. From now on the Argentinian attacker leads the score card with 8 goals, one first Colombia’s Luis Diaz.
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