Has Lionel Messi Played His Last Game for Argentina? Retirement Talk Intensifies After Final Home Match

Lionel Messi played what was likely his final home match for Argentina on Thursday night and it was an emotional occasion. The 38-year-old captain led his country to a 3-0 win over Venezuela in World Cup qualifying, scoring twice on a night that felt like both a celebration and a sad farewell.

More than 80,000 packed into the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires to salute arguably the nation’s greatest ever player, if not the best the world has ever seen. Messi was joined on the walkout by his three sons, while his wife Antonela Roccuzzo looked on from the stands, later calling him “an inspiration” in a heartfelt Instagram post. It was an atmosphere that mixed joy with melancholy, as fans realised this might be Messi’s final Argentina match in front of his home crowd.

Messi had described the game as “very, very special” beforehand and his emotions were evident from the warm-up, when the crowd roared his name before a ball had even been kicked. Once the match started, he delivered in trademark style, scoring twice on what many believe could be remembered as the start of serious talk about Lionel Messi retirement.

Lionel Messi says goodbye to Argentina fans in Buenos Aires

Messi opened the scoring in the 39th minute, timing his run onto a pass from Julian Alvarez before dinking a delicate chip over the Venezuela goalkeeper. It was his 34th goal in World Cup qualifying, extending the record he already held, and came in his 72nd appearance in CONMEBOL qualifiers — tying the all-time record for most games played.

Lautaro Martínez doubled the advantage with a diving header in the second half before Messi struck again from close range four minutes later to complete a brace and seal a perfect send-off. “To finish in this way, here with my people, is a dream,” Messi said afterwards. “For many years I was loved in Barcelona and my dream was to have that same feeling here in Argentina. What will stay with me is all the good this team has accomplished.”

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted he too was emotional and praised Messi’s ability to decide his own future. “He earned the right to choose when to stop,” Scaloni said. “If he decides this was his last game at home, then we’ll find a way to give him the farewell he deserves.”

Argentina heading for 2026 World Cup… but will Messi be there?

Argentina’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup has long been assured. They top the South American standings and remain FIFA’s No 1-ranked side. Younger talents such as Thiago Almada, 24, and 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono are already being integrated alongside the veterans, ensuring La Albiceleste look strong heading into the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Yet Messi’s involvement remains the great unknown. “Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won’t make it,” he admitted. “But well, we’re almost there, so I’m excited and motivated to play it. Like I always say, I go day by day, going by how I feel.” His words only deepened speculation around a possible Lionel Messi retirement before the tournament kicks off.

The Inter Miami forward has made clear that he will only continue if his body allows. “When I feel good, I enjoy it, but when I don’t, honestly, I don’t have a good time,” he explained. “So I prefer not to be there if I don’t feel good. We’ll see. I haven’t made a decision about the World Cup.”

When will Messi retire from international football?

Messi’s place in history is secure. Since his debut in 2005, he has played 194 times for Argentina, scoring a record 114 goals. He has won everything available: the Copa América, an Olympic gold medal, and, most importantly, the World Cup in 2022. Thursday’s outing also reinforced his dominance in South American qualifying, where he now sits joint-top in appearances and outright first in goals.

But retirement remains a looming reality. Former Argentina goalkeeper Franco Armani admitted “no one is prepared” for Messi to leave the international stage. For Scaloni, the decision will rest entirely with his captain: “More than anyone, I will enjoy every last match with him. He deserves to choose the moment.”

Argentina face Ecuador next week but Messi will not travel, resting instead to prepare for the remainder of the MLS season with Inter Miami. That gap from international duty only heightens speculation about whether he will push through to 2026, or whether Thursday night will ultimately be remembered as Messi’s final Argentina match before retirement is confirmed.

How many more games will Lionel Messi play for Argentina?

That is the question dominating the minds of Argentina supporters after Thursday’s farewell in Buenos Aires. Messi has not confirmed his international retirement, but his absence from the trip to Ecuador means he has no further competitive fixtures scheduled in 2025. Argentina are expected to play friendlies next year as preparation for the 2026 World Cup, though it remains to be seen whether their captain will take part.

Messi has stressed that his future hinges on how he feels physically in the months ahead. He explained that he prefers to live “day by day, match by match,” and will only continue if he is truly enjoying himself. That stance leaves open the possibility that he could delay a final decision until shortly before the World Cup.

It also means that Messi may already have played his final Argentina match.