Messi confirmed his farewell as a home player in the Qualifiers against Venezuela: 'It's the last one'

Lionel Messi is experiencing days filled with emotions. After leading Inter Miami to a new Leagues Cup final with a brace in the 3-1 victory over Orlando City, the Argentine captain surprised everyone by confirming that next Thursday's match against Venezuela at the Monumental stadium will be his farewell as a home player in the South American Qualifiers.

"Yes, it's going to be special, a very special match for me because it's my last Qualifiers match. I don't know if there will be friendlies or more matches afterwards," Messi said, referring to the clash on September 4. He added: "But it will be a very special match, that's why my family will be with me: my wife, my children, my parents, my siblings, and everyone who can. We're going to experience it that way, afterwards I don't know what will happen."

So far in 2025, number 10 has played only two matches with the national team, both during the June FIFA window. However, by the end of the year he could add up to six more appearances with the Scaloneta: two in the next double round of Qualifiers, two friendlies in the United States in October, and two more in November, in Luanda (Angola) and Kerala (India).

His present at Inter Miami

Messi also spoke about his performance after qualifying for the Leagues Cup final. "Honestly, in the first half I still felt a little afraid, but in the second I loosened up a bit more," he admitted.

The star explained that he had been dealing with a physical discomfort: "I wanted to be there since I returned against Los Angeles Galaxy, but I had a discomfort and didn't feel comfortable. I prepared myself to be in this match because I knew how important the opponent was, since this year they had beaten us in both matches we played against them."

Now, Inter Miami will seek its third official title after the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield, when it faces Seattle Sounders, who defeated Los Angeles Galaxy 2-0. The grand final will be next Sunday at 9 p.m. (Argentina time).