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Lionel Messi has once again raised uncertainty over his future with Argentina after what could have been his final home appearance for the national team. The 38-year-old scored twice in a 3–0 victory over Venezuela in Buenos Aires on Thursday, helping the reigning world champions edge closer to securing their place at the 2026 World Cup. However, following the match, Messi refrained from committing to playing in the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, hinting instead that his international career may be drawing to a close.
In a heartfelt Instagram post after the game, Messi thanked fans for their support, writing: “A very special night that still leaves me speechless of the emotion. Heartfelt thanks to all the people for the love and for always supporting us. Whatever happens and whatever the future holds, only God knows.” The Inter Miami star has already decided to miss Argentina’s final qualifier against Ecuador, citing a need to manage his fitness for his club. His absence only deepened speculation that the match against Venezuela may have been a farewell on home soil for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
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Messi’s comments have left fans and analysts questioning whether the World Cup in 2026 will mark his swan song or if the curtain is already falling on one of the greatest international careers in football history. Having led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, Messi has little left to prove on the global stage, yet supporters are hopeful he will aim for one final tournament to defend the crown. At 38, however, the physical demands of a World Cup could weigh heavily, even for a player of his extraordinary ability.
For now, Messi’s focus returns to club football, with Inter Miami preparing for a crucial MLS clash against Charlotte on September 14. His decision to skip Argentina’s trip to Ecuador highlights his priority of balancing international commitments with the rigors of his club schedule. While the national team continues its World Cup qualifying campaign, uncertainty over Messi’s availability for 2026 lingers. Fans are left with his emotional message as the clearest signal yet that his time in the iconic blue-and-white shirt may be nearing its end. As he put it himself: only God knows.
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Messi’s Career Milestones with Argentina
2005 – Debut for Argentina at age 18 vs. Hungary.
2008 – Wins Olympic Gold Medal in Beijing.
2014 – Leads Argentina to World Cup Final (Brazil), wins Golden Ball as best player.
2015 & 2016 – Copa América runner-up in back-to-back years.
2021 – Wins first major international trophy: Copa América in Brazil (vs. Brazil). Named Player of the Tournament.
2022 – Wins FIFA World Cup in Qatar, scoring 7 goals and earning Golden Ball again.
2022 – Becomes Argentina’s all-time top scorer in World Cups (13 goals).
2024 – Captains Argentina to Copa América title in the USA, his second.
All-time records:
Argentina’s all-time top scorer: over 110 goals in 190+ appearances.
Most caps in Argentina history.
Only player to score in every round of a single World Cup (2022).
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