Lionel Messi says goodbye in Argentina, ‘we’ll see’ on World Cup

Lionel Messi got emotional after he played his last International match in Argentina. The La Albiceleste registered a 3-0 win against Venezuela at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Thursday with Messi scoring a brace.

When asked about playing in the World Cup next summer in the United States, Mexico and Canada, Messi said, “We’ll see.”

“There are so many emotions, I’ve experienced so many things on this field,” Messi said after the game. “It’s always a joy to play in Argentina with our people. We’ve been enjoying match after match for many years. I’m very happy; being able to finish in this way here is what I always dreamed of.

“For many years, I have had the affection of Barcelona, and my dream was to have it here, too, in my country with my people. For many years, a lot of things were said, but well, I’ll stay with all the good. All the good with the group that tried it couldn’t get it and concentrate.

“Then, I was given it and some of the players in the roster and the past one. Everything we lived was beautiful. Today was the last one for points here.”

Argentina had already qualified for the 2026 World Cup and Messi has shown his desire to play in the next year’s mega event. Earlier, Messi had said that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will be his last major event with the La Albiceleste however he wanted to continue playing as a part of the champion team.

“Same as I said before about the World Cup that I don’t think I’ll play another. Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won’t make it,” the Inter Miami star said. “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.

“I’m trying to feel good and, above all, being honest with myself. When I feel good, I enjoy it, but when I don’t, honestly, I don’t have a good time, so I prefer not to be there if I don’t feel good. So we’ll see. I haven’t made a decision about the World Cup.

“I’ll finish the season, then I’ll have preseason, and there will be six months left. So, we’ll see how I feel. Hopefully, I’ll have a good preseason in 2026 and finish this MLS season well, and then I’ll decide.”

Argentina will prepare to face Ecuador in the final game of the FIFA window in Guayaquil. Messi has said he would not play in that game.