Lionel Messi hoping to defy ‘logic’ and play at 2026 World Cup after scoring two in ‘dream’ home finale for Argentina v Venezuela in Buenos Aires
Lionel Messi scored a brace in his final home match for Argentina but admitted he is not sure if he will feature at next year’s World Cup. The 38-year-old scored a goal in each half as the reigning world champions maintained their 10-point lead over Brazil at the top of South American qualifying. Messi dampened spirits slightly when saying it would be “logical” he doesn’t play next summer.
Lionel Messi said he is “excited and motivated” to play in the World Cup next summer, although he admitted it would be “logical” that he does not make it.
Messi scored two goals in Argentina’s 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Venezuela in his home farewell and was denied a fairytale hat-trick late on.
The reigning world champions had already sealed top spot in South American World Cup qualifying, sitting 10 points clear of second place Brazil, but Messi’s brace took him top of the goalscoring charts with eight.
On an emotional night for Argentinian fans in Buenos Aires – which saw Messi walk out with his three children – the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner scored his 35th and 36th World Cup qualifying goals and his 113th and 114th goals for his country.
Messi, 38, made the night slightly bittersweet for the home fans when he revealed that – though he is hopeful to make it – he doubts whether he will line up for Argentina in the USA next year.
He said: “Being able to finish this way here is what I’ve always dreamed of.
“I’ve experienced a lot of things on this pitch, both good and not so good, but it’s always a joy to play in Argentina, in front of our fans.
“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, but well, we’re almost there, so I’m excited and motivated to play it. Like I always say, I go day by day, match by match.
“That’s it, taking it day by day, going by how I feel, 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.
“Match by match, I’ll finish the season, then I’ll have pre-season, and there will be six months left – so we’ll see how I feel. Hopefully, I’ll have a good pre-season in 2026 and finish this MLS season well and then I’ll decide.”
Despite Messi’s suggestions that he might not feel in ideal condition next summer, there was no sign of him slowing down in Buenos Aires.
His first goal came from an elegant chip over the goalkeeper, before a superb pass from Thiago Almada set him up for a simple second.
In the dying seconds, he was denied a hat-trick when caught offside, but his composed chip reminded the world that class is permanent.
It was not just Argentina fans who were delighted to see Messi at his best, with the result ensuring Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia and Paraguay also secured a spot in the new expanded 48-team World Cup.
There were jubilant scenes in Asuncion as Paraguay qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 2010.
Bolivia, who host Brazil, and Venezuela, who welcome Colombia, on Wednesday are battling it out for a place in the World Cup qualifying play-offs.
Listen to top Radio Stations in Abia State CLICK HERE
Support Afnews Independent Journalism
At Afnews, we are dedicated to providing accurate, insightful, and timely news coverage. Our commitment to journalistic integrity ensures that you receive trustworthy information, unfiltered and unbiased. To maintain our independence and continue delivering quality content, we rely on the support of our readers.
If you value the work we do, please consider making a contribution. Your support enables us to keep bringing you the stories that matter.
Donate today and help us keep independent journalism alive. Thank you for your support!
