Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is nearing the end of his journey with Argentina. The living football legend is set to play his final home match for the national team.
During this FIFA window, Argentina will play its last two 2026 World Cup qualifying matches on September 5 and 10. The reigning World Champions will first play at home at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires against Venezuela, then travel away to face Ecuador.
By taking part in the first match, Lionel Messi will make his final official appearance for Argentina on home soil, as head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed in a press conference. “This match is in line with what Leo has already said: it will be emotional and special. If this truly is his last match in the country during the qualifiers, we have to savor it, as I always say. It’s a pleasure to have him and we hope the fans in the stadium will enjoy it, because they deserve it.” said the Argentine manager.
🇦🇷😢 Scaloni : “Si c’est le dernier match en Argentine de Lionel Messi…”#interview#beINSPORTSpic.twitter.com/v9qFLOhowM
— beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) September 4, 2025
After the end of the World Cup qualifiers, Argentina will have no more scheduled home matches. In fact, they’ll play the Finalissima against Spain in Europe in March 2026.