Messi Hints at 2026 World Cup Exit After Emotional Home Finale
Buenosโข Aires, Argentina – Lionel Messi, the iconic captain of the Argentine national team, has cast doubt on his participation in the 2026 FIFAโ World Cup following a resounding 3-0 victoryโ over Venezuela in aโ qualifying match widely believed to be his final appearance on Argentine soil. The game, played in a packed Monumental Stadium, was a poignant occasion marked by two crucial goals from Messi and a wave of emotion from fans.
While stopping short of an outright retirement announcement, Messi, โ36, indicated that his age and physical condition will be the decidingโ factors in whether he competes in the tournament, which will be held across the United States, Canada, โฃand Mexico.”Logically, at my age, I will most likely not be there,” Messi stated in a post-match interview, referencing the 2026 World Cup. He emphasized a commitment to self-assessment, adding, “I try toโ live day after day, feel the sensation, and most importantly, to be honestโ with myself. When I feel good, I enjoy it, but when not, I prefer not to be there.”
The victory over Venezuelaโ secured vital โคpoints for Argentina in their qualifying campaign.โ However, โthe match resonated far โคbeyond the scoreline, serving as a potential farewell for a player who โled his nation to World Cup glory in 2022.
Messi reflected on the importance โคof the evening, stating, “Being able toโ end the journey in this way here isโ something that I always dreamโ of. For years, many things are said, but I will only remember โall the beautiful memories thatโ we have built.”
Given Messi will be 39 โyears old by the time the 2026 World Cup commences, his comments have been widely interpreted as a realistic acknowledgement of the physical demands of top-level competition.โข Despite this, the news has sentโฃ ripples of disappointment throughโค Argentine football, with many fans hoping for one last appearance from their legendary captain.
The โpossibility of Messi’s absence leaves a notable void for Argentina as they look to defend โคtheir World โcup title.While the โฃfuture remains uncertain, the match in Buenos Aires willโ undoubtedly be remembered as a touching and possibly final chapter in Messi’s illustrious international career.
Keywords: Lionel Messi, โArgentina, World Cup, 2026โค world Cup, Football, Soccer, Retirement, Qualifying, Venezuela, Buenos Aires, Sports News.
