Overview
- Coach Lionel Scaloni said Messi will play against Venezuela at the Monumental in what the captain has called his last home World Cup qualifier.
- Messi sits on 71 CONMEBOL qualifying appearances, one behind Iván Hurtado’s record of 72, with reports in Argentina suggesting he may be rested for the Sept. 9 trip to Ecuador to protect fitness.
- Argentina have already secured a 2026 World Cup berth and top spot in South America, shifting the occasion toward a send-off rather than standings implications.
- Scaloni questioned international scheduling and said the proposed March Finalissima against Spain remains uncertain due to UEFA qualifying commitments.
- Squad tweaks include Alexis Mac Allister unlikely to feature due to a late arrival and Enzo Fernández suspended, with youngsters Franco Mastantuono and Nico Paz in the frame, as former teammate Franco Armani urged Messi to reconsider retirement plans.