Overview
- Lionel Scaloni said Messi finished fatigued and will not travel to Guayaquil for Tuesday’s last qualifier.
- Messi acknowledged his Argentina career is nearing its end and left his 2026 World Cup participation undecided.
- Nicolás Otamendi indicated this was also his final home appearance for the national team.
- After the match, Messi posted an emotional Instagram message thanking supporters for their backing.
- The night drew cultural icon Charly García, who greeted Messi, and the win kept Argentina atop CONMEBOL with qualification already secured.