Lionel Messi’s Potential Farewell Match
Lionel Messi, the Argentine football icon, is preparing for a potentially significant event in his career. Although he has not confirmed the timeline for his retirement, next week’s World Cup qualifying match against Venezuela could mark his final home appearance with the Argentine national team.
Upcoming Match Details
The match will take place at the esteemed Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Thursday. At 38 years old, Messi described this upcoming game as one that holds immense emotional value for him, especially since it will be the last qualifying fixture before the World Cup next year. Argentina has already secured its place in the upcoming 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, but the need to honor this home game against Venezuela adds to the stakes. This will be Argentina’s penultimate qualifier, with their concluding match taking place against Ecuador on September 9, 2024.
Messi’s Reflections
After guiding Inter Miami to a Leagues Cup final victory over Orlando City, Messi expressed his feelings regarding the emotionally charged match ahead. He shared that family will be in attendance, noting:
“This match is very special for me… my family, including my wife, kids, parents, and siblings, will be here with me.”
Messi has indicated an inclination towards retirement from international football following the World Cup, where Argentina aims to defend its title, which they won in Qatar in 2022. He also acknowledged that he will be 40 when the qualifiers for the 2030 World Cup commence in 2027, making his future involvement with the national team uncertain. Following Messi’s comments, CONMEBOL, the governing body for South American football, generated excitement on social media, referring to this significant moment as “the last dance.”
Ticket Pricing and Attendance
In a bid to maximize attendance for Messi’s home game, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has raised ticket prices, with the lowest priced tickets starting at around $100 and the premium ones reaching up to $500. This strategic pricing reflects the sentiment and allure surrounding his anticipated farewell.
Messi’s Recent Performance
On a personal note, Messi returned from an injury to deliver two stunning goals in his last match, leading Miami into the final against the Seattle Sounders. Shortly after, he remarked on the initial nervousness he felt during the game, stating:
“I wanted to play despite the discomfort I experienced during my recovery. The opponent was tough, having beaten us in earlier matches this year, but I ultimately found my rhythm.”
Conclusion
As the football world turns its eyes on this upcoming qualifier, fans are eager to witness a legendary player possibly take his last bow on home soil for Argentina.
