The world of Argentine football is bracing for a highly emotional night on September 4, when the national team hosts Venezuela at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires for Matchday 17 of the South American Qualifiers toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Beyond the stakes of qualification, the game carries an even deeper meaning: it could be Lionel Messi’s last official match on Argentine soil.
A Possible Farewell to Competitive Home Games
The possibility of this being Messi’s final official appearance in Argentina is not just speculation. The Qualifiers calendar makes it clear—after facing Venezuela, the “Albiceleste” will not play another official home game in 2025. The next competitive fixture at home is scheduled only for 2027, long after Messi is expected to bring down the curtain on his international career.
Although the Inter Miami star has not formally announced his retirement, all signs point to the 2026 World Cup as the closing chapter of his legendary run with the national team. At 37 years old by then, the idea of Messi stepping away after leading Argentina one last time on the global stage seems increasingly likely.
An Emotional Night at the Monumental
The September clash thus transforms into more than just a qualifier—it’s a symbolic farewell. For Argentine fans, it’s a chance to give Messi the standing ovation he deserves in a competitive setting, perhaps for the last time.
While friendly matches may still take place on home soil in 2026, this encounter with Venezuela holds the weight of official competition, making the occasion uniquely significant.
Supporters at the Monumental will no doubt turn the stadium into a sea of emotion, knowing that they may be witnessing the final official bow of the greatest player in the nation’s history on Argentine ground.
The Road Ahead for Argentina
Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. (local time) on September 4. Just five days later, on September 9 at 8:00 p.m., Argentina will travel to face Ecuador in Quito, another crucial step toward solidifying its place in the 2026 World Cup.
For Lionel Scaloni’s squad, the mission remains clear: finish the Qualifiers strongly and arrive at the tournament as defending champions with momentum. For fans, however, the match against Venezuela represents something larger—a chance to say thank you to Messi for two decades of brilliance in the national shirt.
Whether or not it is truly his last competitive appearance in Argentina, the night promises to be one of those rare moments where football transcends sport, merging memory, history, and emotion into one unforgettable occasion.