Lionel Messi couldn’t maintain again the tears after what might have been his final aggressive look for Argentina on house soil. In a poignant night on the Estadio Monumental, the 38-year-old scored twice in a 3-0 victory over Venezuela, then forged uncertainty over whether or not he’ll seem on the 2026 World Cup in North America.
The outcome itself mattered little — Argentina had already sealed qualification for subsequent summer time’s match — however the event belonged completely to Messi. A hero to hundreds of thousands, the previous Barcelona nice is approaching the ultimate stretch of an unparalleled worldwide profession. The sight of him in tears after the ultimate whistle provided a reminder that his journey with the Albiceleste is now extra finite than ever.
Messi’s brace was a becoming approach to mark what may show his final act in Buenos Aires. His first purpose lifted the stadium into euphoria, whereas his second, late within the recreation, additional sealed Argentina’s management. Solely the linesman’s flag prevented him from claiming a hat-trick. Between these strikes, Lautaro Martínez added a header to cap a cushty evening for Lionel Scaloni’s facet.
For Messi, although, the evening was about one thing deeper than the scoreline. “With the ability to end this fashion here’s what I’ve at all times dreamed of,” he admitted, struggling to include his feelings. “I’ve skilled plenty of issues on this pitch, each good and never so good, however it’s at all times a pleasure to play in Argentina, in entrance of our followers.”
The enjoyment was tempered by actuality. Whereas Messi left the door ajar, his phrases advised that the 2026 World Cup might not characteristic him. “Similar as I stated earlier than concerning the World Cup, that I don’t suppose I’ll play one other. Due to my age, essentially the most logical factor is that I received’t make it,” he defined. “However nicely, we’re virtually there, so I’m excited and motivated to play it. Like I at all times say, I am going day-to-day, match by match, making an attempt to really feel good and above all, being sincere with myself.”
That honesty means Messi will not be ready to stretch himself past what feels pure. “Once I really feel good, I take pleasure in it. However after I don’t, actually, I don’t have a great time, so I choose to not be there if I don’t really feel good. So we’ll see. I haven’t decided concerning the World Cup,” he continued. “I’ll end the season, then I’ll have pre-season, and there can be six months left. So we’ll see how I really feel.”
The remarks seize the fragile steadiness Messi faces: the longing to compete in a fifth World Cup versus the acceptance that age and bodily calls for can’t be ignored. At 38, nonetheless dazzling for Inter Miami in Main League Soccer, he continues to defy time, however even for essentially the most adorned participant of his era, there are limits.
Argentina followers will hope he stretches these limits one final time. In spite of everything, Messi was the defining determine of their triumph in Qatar in 2022, topped participant of the match as he lifted the trophy that had eluded him for thus lengthy. That achievement, adopted by an eighth Ballon d’Or, appeared to have closed the chapter in good vogue. His choice to not decide to 2026 suggests he’s cautious of overstaying his peak second, unwilling to danger diminishing the legacy he constructed so painstakingly.
But his tone was not one in all farewell a lot as of postponement. Messi is retaining the choice alive, pointing towards subsequent yr’s pre-season because the decisive interval. If his physique responds nicely, one other tilt at World Cup glory is feasible. If not, he has already secured immortality, and Argentina will start life after Messi with the gratitude of a nation.
In the meantime, Venezuela’s defeat carried wider significance throughout South America. The loss confirmed Uruguay, Colombia and Paraguay as automated qualifiers alongside Argentina, Brazil and Ecuador. Marcelo Bielsa, guiding Uruguay, will now lead his nation into one other World Cup, whereas Brazil and Colombia stay among the many continent’s strongest challengers.
For Argentina, although, these particulars pale compared to Messi’s unsure future. Every worldwide break now takes on a valedictory really feel, every purpose celebrated with a contact extra sentiment. The participant who has carried his nation for practically twenty years is nearing his conclusion, and the followers comprehend it.
Messi’s worldwide file stands at 114 targets in 194 caps — extraordinary by any measure — and his affect goes far past the statistics. He has been Argentina’s talisman, their captain, and their image of excellence. That’s the reason his tears in Buenos Aires carried such weight: they weren’t merely about one other qualifying win however concerning the inevitable passing of an period.
The 2026 World Cup, spanning Canada, Mexico and the US from June 11 to July 19, would offer a becoming closing stage. The match is tailored for spectacle, and Messi stays the game’s greatest attraction. However whether or not his physique permits him yet another dance on soccer’s grandest stage stays the unanswered query.
Within the meantime, he’ll proceed with Inter Miami, carrying each membership and nation on his shoulders whereas retaining followers guessing about his final choice. The selection, as at all times, can be his — measured, reflective, and deeply private.
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