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).
