HOT: Is Messi about to retire from the Argentina national team?

19/08/2025 10:24:00 TrophyTracker

It is believed that Lionel Messi may soon decide to step away from representing Argentina on the international stage.

Recently, the Argentina national team revealed a preliminary squad of 31 players to prepare for two upcoming matches in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Notably, captain Lionel Messi remains included and is expected to continue playing a key role.

However, this could also mark the final time Messi wears the national team jersey. Specifically, according to information from DSPORT, the clash against Venezuela on September 5th (Vietnam time) is anticipated to be Messi's last official match with Argentina.

The report states: "Unless something unexpected happens, the game against Venezuela on September 4th will be Leo Messi’s last official appearance for the national team at Buenos Aires stadium."

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The 2026 World Cup qualifiers wrap up at the end of September, and Argentina will not have any more official home matches until after the Finalissima (scheduled for March 2026, likely to take place outside Argentina), followed by the World Cup 2026 in the United States.

It’s important to note that this refers only to official matches, excluding friendlies. If Messi plays at Monumental on September 5th, it could be the last chance for fans to see him captain Argentina in an official game.

Messi has always shared a special bond with Buenos Aires. Monumental was where he celebrated the 2022 World Cup victory with fans in 2023, and it has witnessed countless memorable moments in his international career. If this is truly his farewell in the capital, it will be an emotional ending to a major chapter in the journey of one of Argentina’s greatest footballers.

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Throughout his international career, El Pulga has scored 112 goals and provided 61 assists in 193 appearances for La Albiceleste.

After enduring many ups and downs with various generations of teammates, Messi was finally rewarded with major titles, including 2 Copa America trophies (2021, 2024), the Finalissima 2022, and most notably, the 2022 World Cup.

Currently, Messi has not made any official decision regarding his international retirement or whether he will continue until the end of the 2026 World Cup.

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