Lionel Messi in tears as he bids goodbye in Argentina, refuses to confirm World Cup participation: 'I don't think I'll play another'

Lionel Messi scored a brace as Argentina thumped Venezuela 3-0 on Thursday at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina. But what captured the eyeballs was Messi’s emotional moment in the build-up to the match, which has been touted as the World Cup-winner’s final home game for the national team.

The Venezuela match was the final home qualifier for Argentina, who have already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After the victory, the 38-year-old finally confirmed that it was his final game in Argentina.

Messi in tears as fans cheer his hame

The two-time Copa America winner, Messi, was given a fitting tribute by the local Argentine before the match as 80,000 fans gave him a standing ovation and cheered his name. They also hoisted a huge banner in his honour.

The outpouring of love from the fans made Messi extremely emotional as he was getting ready to take the pitch for the Argentina team. He was seen shedding tears on the camera as fans cheered for him.

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I don’t want to know how I will handle in his very last game because I am in tears now for his last Argentina home game. I keep having flashbacks to 2006 when I first saw his Argentina debut at the World Cup…🥹
pic.twitter.com/u8ccVJmc6S

— Messi Fanatic (@MessiFanatic_) September 4, 2025

Nonetheless, Messi made the farewell memorable by scoring two goals and Lautaro Martínez added one more as the La Albiceleste romped home with a 3-0 victory.

Messi remains coy on 2026 World Cup participation

After the match, Messi was asked about whether he would be playing in the 2026 World Cup. He gave a vague reply to the question. “We’ll see,” Messi said.

He went on to confirm that the Venezuela match was his final home game. “There are so many emotions, I’ve experienced so many things on this field,” Messi said after Argentina’s match. “It’s always a joy to play in Argentina with our people. We’ve been enjoying match after match for many years. I’m very happy; being able to finish in this way here is what I always dreamed of.

“For many years, I have had the affection of Barcelona, and my dream was to have it here, too, in my country with my people. For many years, a lot of things were said, but well, I’ll stay with all the good. All the good with the group that tried it couldn’t get it and concentrate.

“Then, I was given it and some of the players in the roster and the past one. Everything we lived was beautiful. Today was the last one for points here.”

Woke up early only to see Messi in tears for his last ever match in Argentina 🥹pic.twitter.com/JJNHFYrlXi

— tj  (@TamsterzTJ) September 5, 2025

On the possibility of playing in the World Cup in 2026, Messi said that it will all depend on his fitness. “Same as I said before about the World Cup that I don’t think I’ll play another. Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won’t make it,” Messi said. “But well, we’re almost there, so I’m excited and motivated to play it. Like I always say, I go day by day, match by match. That’s it, taking it day by day, going by how I feel.

“Day by day, trying to feel good and above all, being honest with myself. When I feel good, I enjoy it, but when I don’t, honestly, I don’t have a good time, so I prefer not to be there if I don’t feel good. So we’ll see. I haven’t made a decision about the World Cup.

“Match by match, I’ll finish the season, then I’ll have preseason, and there will be six months left. So, we’ll see how I feel. Hopefully, I’ll have a good preseason in 2026 and finish this MLS season well, and then I’ll decide.”