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Lionel Messi’s Emotional Farewell: The GOAT’s Final Home World Cup Qualifier Sparks Retirement Questions

Originally posted on Total Apex Sports | By Fahad Hamid | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 11:05 AM ET

Well, well, well. Just when you thought Lionel Messi couldn’t tug at our heartstrings any more than he already has, the Argentine wizard goes and delivers what might be his final World Cup qualifying performance on home soil. And naturally, being the absolute legend that he is, Messi didn’t just show up—he scored twice in a commanding 3-0 victory over Venezuela that had 80,000 fans at Estadio Monumental losing their collective minds.

But here’s where things get interesting, folks. While everyone was busy celebrating those trademark Messi goals (39th and 80th minutes, because of course he had to be clinical), the 38-year-old dropped some pretty heavy hints about his future that have left fans wondering if we’re witnessing the beginning of the end of an era.

Messi’s Emotional Night at Estadio Monumental

Let’s be honest—we’ve seen Messi play countless times, but Thursday night felt different. There was something almost poetic about the way he walked onto that pitch with his three sons before kickoff, with his father Jorge watching from the stands. The atmosphere was electric, and you could practically feel the weight of history in the air.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner opened the scoring in the 39th minute with the kind of finish that made you remember why he’s considered the greatest of all time. Then, as if scripted by football gods with a sense of drama, he added another in the 80th minute. Lautaro Martinez chipped in with a goal in the 76th minute, but let’s face it—this was Messi’s show from start to finish.

“Being able to finish this way here is what I’ve always dreamed of,” Messi said after the match, and honestly, if that doesn’t give you goosebumps, you might want to check your pulse. The man who gave Barcelona fans 17 years of pure magic finally got to experience that same unconditional love from his home crowd.

The Retirement Question That Won’t Go Away

Now here’s where things get a bit melancholy. When asked about his future with the national team, Messi didn’t exactly fill us with confidence about seeing him at the 2026 World Cup. “As I’ve said before, I don’t think I’ll play another World Cup. At my age, it’s only logical to think I might not,” he told TyC Sports.

Wait, what? Did the GOAT just hint at hanging up his international boots? Well, not exactly. True to form, Messi’s being characteristically thoughtful about the whole thing. He’s not making any rash decisions—he’s taking it day by day, which is probably the most sensible approach for a 38-year-old athlete, even one as superhuman as Messi.

The Inter Miami star explained his approach with the kind of honesty that’s both refreshing and slightly heartbreaking: “Day by day, I try to feel good and, above all, be honest with myself. When I feel good, I enjoy it. But when I don’t, honestly, I don’t enjoy it – and if that’s case, I’d rather not be there.”

What This Means for Argentina’s World Cup Defense

Here’s the million-dollar question: Can Argentina successfully defend their 2022 World Cup title without their talismanic captain? It’s a thought that probably keeps Argentine football fans awake at night, and rightfully so.

Coach Lionel Scaloni seemed to understand the emotional and physical toll the match took on his star player, noting that Messi “ended up very tired and physically exhausted” and probably should have been substituted earlier. But who could blame the coach for leaving him on? This might have been the last time we see Messi score for Argentina on home soil.

Argentina has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, sitting pretty at the top of the South American qualifying table with 38 points. They’re clearly in good shape as a team, but losing Messi would be like losing the sun from the solar system—technically possible, but everything would feel fundamentally different.

Messi’s Legacy and What Comes Next

Let’s take a step back and appreciate what we witnessed here. This wasn’t just another qualifier; it was potentially the end of an era. Messi has now scored a record 36 goals in South American qualifying matches, and every single one has been a masterpiece in its own right.

The emotional weight of the moment wasn’t lost on anyone in attendance. Fireworks lit up the Buenos Aires sky as fans chanted Messi’s name, creating the kind of atmosphere that gives you chills just reading about it. “A lot was said over the years, but I’ll keep the good moments we built with a group that tried but couldn’t win it all, until it finally happened for me and a few from my generation,” Messi reflected.

And there it is—the crux of Messi’s international journey. For years, critics questioned whether he could replicate his club success with Argentina. Well, joke’s on them. The man delivered a World Cup, multiple Copa América titles, and moments of pure magic that will be talked about for generations.

The Reality of Father Time

Here’s the thing about athletes and aging—Father Time remains undefeated. Even for someone as otherworldly as Messi, the body eventually starts sending signals that can’t be ignored. At 38, he’s already playing on borrowed time by most athletic standards, yet he’s still scoring braces in crucial matches like it’s 2012.

Scaloni’s decision to rest Messi for the upcoming match against Ecuador on Tuesday makes perfect sense. Why risk injury in a dead rubber when your star player has already given everything to the cause? It’s the kind of player management that shows respect for both Messi’s legendary status and his human limitations.

The Inter Miami forward’s approach to the 2026 World Cup decision—taking it “match by match” and assessing how he feels after finishing the MLS season and going through preseason—is refreshingly mature. No dramatic announcements, no ultimatums, just a seasoned professional making smart choices about his career.

As we potentially witnessed Messi’s final bow on Argentine soil in World Cup qualifying action, one thing became crystal clear: we’ve been incredibly fortunate to watch greatness in its purest form. Whether he graces the 2026 World Cup with his presence or not, Messi has already cemented his place as the greatest player to ever kick a football.

And honestly? That’s a legacy worth celebrating, even if it means eventually saying goodbye.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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