Lionel Messi is expected to make his final appearance for Argentina in a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against Venezuela on September 5. Defending champions Argentina have already secured automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, and have two remaining qualifier matches. The 38-year-old Argentina captain will lead the team against Venezuela at Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, followed by their final qualifier against Ecuador on September 9.
The Venezuela match is generating significant fan interest, considered a special event for Argentinians, particularly with Messi’s family — including his parents, siblings, wife, and children — expected to attend. Messi, the former Barcelona forward, views this World Cup 2026 qualifier on home soil as a very special match, likely his last for the national team. He stated last week, “The match against Venezuela will be very special for me because it will be my last qualifier. I don’t know if there will be any friendly matches or other matches yet.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup itself, hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, could also mark Messi’s final international appearance, following Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph. National team coach Lionel Scaloni also highlighted the significance of these final two qualifiers, especially the home game, for the Inter Miami forward. Scaloni commented, “It will be a very emotional, special, and beautiful match. If this is indeed his last qualifier, then we must enjoy it.”
Argentina currently leads the South American World Cup 2026 qualifiers with 35 points from 16 matches. Ecuador and Brazil have also qualified, both with 25 points. Uruguay and Paraguay are battling for automatic qualification with 24 points each. Colombia sits in 6th with 22 points, and Venezuela, in 7th with 18 points, still has a chance to secure their first-ever World Cup appearance. Of the 10 South American teams, the top six secure automatic qualification, the seventh-placed team enters a play-off, and the bottom three are eliminated.
Argentina plays Venezuela on September 5 in Buenos Aires, then Ecuador on September 9. Other September 5 qualifiers include Ecuador vs. Paraguay, Uruguay vs. Peru, Colombia vs. Bolivia, and Brazil vs. eliminated Chile.
