At 38, Lionel Messi is aware of his profession as knowledgeable footballer is approaching its finish. Nonetheless, he faces main challenges forward — each on the membership and worldwide ranges. As he prepares to affix Argentina’s coaching camp forward of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, the ahead spoke candidly about what lies forward.
Moments after Inter Miami defeated Orlando Metropolis 3-1 to safe a spot within the Leagues Cup closing, Messi gave an interview to Apple TV wherein he addressed the upcoming match in opposition to Venezuela in Buenos Aires — a recreation that may probably mark his closing official look on Argentine soil.
“Sure, it’s going to be particular,” Leo acknowledged, confirming ongoing hypothesis. “It’s going to be a really particular match for me as a result of it’s the final qualifier. I don’t know if there’ll be a pleasant afterward, however sure, it’s a really particular recreation.”
Given the importance of the event, the ahead defined that he will probably be joined at River Plate Stadium in Buenos Aires on September 4 by his closest family members. “My household will probably be there — my spouse, my children, my dad and mom, my siblings, and my spouse’s household,” mentioned Lionel. “We’re going to reside it that approach. I don’t know what is going to occur afterward, however that’s the plan.”
Lionel Messi received the World Cup with Argentina in Qatar 2022.
Messi’s data in World Cup qualifiers
In 2026, Lionel Messi will full his sixth World Cup cycle with Argentina. He made his official debut with the nationwide crew in 2005 and performed in three World Cup qualifiers forward of Germany 2006. From that time on, he’s been a key a part of Argentina’s highway to each World Cup since.
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Due to that consistency, Messi is now the second-most-capped participant within the historical past of South American qualifiers. With 71 appearances, he trails solely Ecuador’s Ivan Hurtado by one, that means that if he performs in opposition to Venezuela and Ecuador in September, Leo will break the all-time report.
However that’s not all. The Argentine star can also be the highest scorer within the historical past of the event, with 34 objectives. His Inter Miami teammate, Luis Suarez, is second with 29 objectives for Uruguay. Bolivia’s Marcelo Moreno Martins is third with 22, and Argentina’s Hernan Crespo and Chile’s Alexis Sanchez spherical out the highest 5 with 19 objectives.
What’s at stake within the South American qualifiers
With two video games left to play, three South American groups have already clinched spots within the 2026 World Cup: Argentina, Ecuador, and Brazil. Two others — Uruguay and Paraguay — are on the verge of qualifying, needing only one level from the ultimate six obtainable. Colombia have a robust probability of securing the final direct qualification spot.
The most important battle is for seventh place — which affords an opportunity to compete in an intercontinental playoff. Venezuela presently maintain that spot, with Bolivia only one level behind. Peru, six factors again, stay mathematically alive however are unlikely to remain within the race.
