Overview

• Messi said the Venezuela match in Buenos Aires will be his last World Cup qualifying game at home and noted his family plans to attend.
• Argentina host Venezuela at the Monumental on Sept. 4 before finishing qualifying away to Ecuador on Sept. 9.
• He has not announced retirement, having only hinted his international career could conclude after the 2026 World Cup, while AFA’s Claudio Tapia says his future is entirely his decision.
• If he features in both September fixtures, Messi could surpass Iván Hurtado for the all‑time appearances record in South American World Cup qualifiers.
• CONMEBOL amplified the moment with a 'the last dance is coming' post, and reporting says AFA raised ticket prices for the Buenos Aires match to roughly $100–$500.