Lionel Messi, the celebrated Argentinian footballer, has hinted at his retirement, suggesting that the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Venezuela could be his final home appearance in such a match. Argentina has already qualified for the World Cup next year and will play Venezuela next Thursday at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium in the second-to-last round of South American qualifiers. The final qualifier is scheduled as an away game against Ecuador on September 9.
“It’s going to be a very, very special match for me because it’s the last qualifying match,” the 38-year-old Messi stated. He also indicated that he might step away from international football after next year’s World Cup, where Argentina will aim to defend their 2022 title. Messi would be 40 years old by the time the 2030 World Cup qualifiers begin.
“I don’t know if there will be friendlies or more matches after (Venezuela), but it is a very special match, so my family will be there with me: my wife, my children, my parents, my siblings,” Messi explained. “We’re going to live it like that. I don’t know what will happen next.”
In response to his comments, CONMEBOL, a South American football governing body, shared a social media tribute, calling it “the last dance,” alongside an image of Messi wearing the Argentina jersey. It is also speculated that the Argentine Football Association (AFA) is planning to increase ticket prices for the match, with entry-level tickets starting at $100 and premium seats costing up to $500.