Overview

• Argentina have secured a 2026 berth and will host Venezuela on Sept. 4 before finishing qualifying at Ecuador on Sept. 9.
• Messi said his wife, children and extended family will be at the Buenos Aires match.
• He has suggested he may end his international career after the 2026 World Cup, yet he has made no formal decision public.
• CONMEBOL amplified the moment with a "the last dance is coming" post, and reports say the AFA raised ticket prices to roughly $100–$500.
• AFA president Claudio Tapia said Messi's place with the national team depends on him and the shirt is his for as long as he wants it.