Overview

• After scoring twice in a 3-0 win over Venezuela, the 38-year-old said he does not think he will play another World Cup and is taking his future day by day.
• Messi described the Venezuela qualifier as his last competitive appearance on home soil.
• Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has placed the decision over 2026 participation entirely in Messi’s hands.
• Di María told TyC Sports that Messi “still has a World Cup to play,” countering retirement talk and urging continued support.
• Speculation about Messi skipping 2026 has dimmed hopes of a final World Cup featuring both him and Cristiano Ronaldo, a concern voiced by journalist Tomás Guasch.