Even at 38, Lionel Messi remains a commanding figure in global football, continually producing highlight-reel moments that justify his superstar status. However, as he approaches what is likely to be his final World Cup, Messi is slowly accumulating a list of career “lasts.” One such significant occasion could arrive as early as Thursday, when Argentina hosts Venezuela in Buenos Aires.
This match marks the penultimate round of World Cup qualifying in South America, with Messi once again joining the reigning world champions for their games this month. While Argentina secured their spot at the 2026 World Cup back in March, this upcoming fixture may not be just another routine outing for the national team. In fact, it carries the profound possibility of being Messi`s final competitive match played on Argentine soil.
The legendary player has yet to announce his retirement from international football and is largely expected to remain with the national team through the World Cup. Beyond that tournament, however, his plans remain entirely uncertain. Messi`s contract with Inter Miami is set to expire this year, with reports suggesting he will sign a new deal to play for the South Florida club for at least one more season, a decision that could influence his national team future. Regardless of the specifics, Messi is approaching the end of his competitive games with the national team. While Argentina is a potential host for the next Copa América, that wouldn`t occur until 2028. The schedule for the next World Cup qualification cycle is not yet finalized, but if the 2026 cycle is any indication, competitive matches could commence by September 2027 – by which time Messi will have celebrated his 40th birthday.
A commemorative atmosphere is anticipated on Thursday, but reflecting on Messi`s immense legacy won`t be the only focus. Venezuela faces an uphill battle, hoping to secure their own spot at next year`s World Cup. They are one of three teams vying for a single remaining guaranteed berth in the North America-hosted tournament.
Match Information: Argentina vs. Venezuela
- Date: Thursday, September 4
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Scaloni on Messi`s Future: “The Right to Decide”
Speculation surrounding Messi`s future has cast a significant shadow over this match, and much like the player himself, Argentina`s head coach Lionel Scaloni has offered few definitive answers.
“Messi still makes the difference, true greats are like that,” Scaloni recently stated. “Messi has earned the right to decide when he retires. Let`s simply enjoy Messi while we still have him.”
Messi mania is a constant in Argentina, but this week in Buenos Aires, fans appear to be rallying around the player with a heightened sense of sentimentality due to his potentially impending international retirement. He was met by throngs of supporters after attending a theatre production of `Rocky,` a show inspired by the 1976 film starring Sylvester Stallone, featuring his longtime friend Nicolas Vazquez. Messi shared that his entire family made the trip this week, noting on stage after the show that it`s “not often that my whole family is here in Buenos Aires.”
The player himself has previously described Thursday`s game as “a very, very special match for me,” further amplifying the emotional tone surrounding the event, even without official confirmation regarding his future plans.
Venezuela`s World Cup Qualification Ambitions
While many of CONMEBOL`s World Cup qualifying berths are already claimed, there remains one guaranteed spot and an additional intercontinental playoff position still up for grabs. Venezuela is one of three teams, alongside Colombia and Bolivia, in contention. While a direct qualification spot isn`t out of reach, achieving it will be a formidable challenge.
Venezuela currently trails Colombia by four points, with Colombia holding the last guaranteed berth and potentially securing their World Cup spot with a win over Bolivia on Thursday. For Venezuela to have any chance of overtaking `Los Cafeteros,` they would need Colombia to drop points and manage a victory against Argentina. However, their World Cup hopes wouldn`t be entirely dashed if this scenario doesn`t unfold. Entering the penultimate round of qualifying, Venezuela holds a one-point advantage over Bolivia. They will need to maintain this lead on Tuesday when they host Colombia, while Bolivia welcomes Brazil.
Should Venezuela manage to clinch a spot at the World Cup, it would mark the nation`s inaugural appearance in the prestigious tournament.
