Lionel Messi hoping to defy 'logic' and play at 2026 World Cup after scoring two in 'dream' home finale for Argentina v Venezuela in Buenos Aires
AFNEWS reporter
Sep 05, 2025
Lionel Messi hoping to defy 'logic' and play at 2026 World Cup after scoring two in 'dream' home finale for Argentina v Venezuela in Buenos Aires
Lionel Messi scored a brace in his final home match for Argentina but admitted he is not sure if he will feature at next year's World Cup. The 38-year-old scored a goal in each half as the reigning world champions maintained their 10-point lead over Brazil at the top of South American qualifying. Messi dampened spirits slightly when saying it would be "logical" he doesn't play next summer.
READ ALSO: Eddie Howe Under Pressure as Newcastle Face Summer Exodus and Uncertain Future
Lionel Messi said he is "excited and motivated" to play in the World Cup next summer, although he admitted it would be "logical" that he does not make it.
READ ALSO: Shade Ladipo Slams Mercy Aigbe Over Her Alleged Relationship With A Married Man | READ DETAILS
Messi scored two goals in Argentina's 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Venezuela in his home farewell and was denied a fairytale hat-trick late on.
READ ALSO: [Abia] How Ibeku Prime Minister, Bawas was robbed in Umuahia
The reigning world champions had already sealed top spot in South American World Cup qualifying, sitting 10 points clear of second place Brazil, but Messi's brace took him top of the goalscoring charts with eight.
On an emotional night for Argentinian fans in Buenos Aires - which saw Messi walk out with his three children - the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner scored his 35th and 36th World Cup qualifying goals and his 113th and 114th goals for his country.
READ ALSO: Sandro Tonali will choose Manchester United if they secure Champions League football
Messi, 38, made the night slightly bittersweet for the home fans when he revealed that - though he is hopeful to make it - he doubts whether he will line up for Argentina in the USA next year.
He said: "Being able to finish this way here is what I've always dreamed of.
READ ALSO: WHEELCOPO South East Honours Abia Born Amb. Ifeanyi Elvis Ogbonna
"I've experienced a lot of things on this pitch, both good and not so good, but it's always a joy to play in Argentina, in front of our fans.
READ ALSO: Labour Party Sacks National Publicity Secretary |READ FULL
"Same as I said before about the World Cup that I don't think I'll play another.
READ ALSO: Roberto De Zerbi: Tottenham in talks with ex-Brighton boss about taking over as head coach
"Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won't make it, but well, we're almost there, so I'm excited and motivated to play it. Like I always say, I go day by day, match by match.
READ ALSO: Chelsea finances: Blues announce biggest pre-tax loss of any club in Premier League history
"That's it, taking it day by day, going by how I feel, trying to feel good and, above all, being honest with myself.
READ ALSO: Nigerian Entertainment Icon Lucky Igbokwe Acquires Premium Streaming Service KeduTV LCC For $1.1M
"When I feel good, I enjoy it, but when I don't, honestly, I don't have a good time, so I prefer not to be there if I don't feel good - so we'll see. I haven't made a decision about the World Cup.
READ ALSO: COVID-19: Abia Speaker Begins Distribution of Food Palliatives to Constituents|PHOTOS
"Match by match, I'll finish the season, then I'll have pre-season, and there will be six months left - so we'll see how I feel. Hopefully, I'll have a good pre-season in 2026 and finish this MLS season well and then I'll decide."
READ ALSO: Eddie Howe Under Pressure as Newcastle Face Summer Exodus and Uncertain Future
Despite Messi's suggestions that he might not feel in ideal condition next summer, there was no sign of him slowing down in Buenos Aires.
READ ALSO: Shade Ladipo Slams Mercy Aigbe Over Her Alleged Relationship With A Married Man | READ DETAILS
His first goal came from an elegant chip over the goalkeeper, before a superb pass from Thiago Almada set him up for a simple second.
READ ALSO: [Abia] How Ibeku Prime Minister, Bawas was robbed in Umuahia
In the dying seconds, he was denied a hat-trick when caught offside, but his composed chip reminded the world that class is permanent.
It was not just Argentina fans who were delighted to see Messi at his best, with the result ensuring Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia and Paraguay also secured a spot in the new expanded 48-team World Cup.
READ ALSO: Sandro Tonali will choose Manchester United if they secure Champions League football
There were jubilant scenes in Asuncion as Paraguay qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 2010.
Bolivia, who host Brazil, and Venezuela, who welcome Colombia, on Wednesday are battling it out for a place in the World Cup qualifying play-offs.
Related Stories
David Raya is the best goalkeeper in the world, says Arsenal team-mate Kai Havertz after Sporting heroics
Sandro Tonali will choose Manchester United if they secure Champions League football
Chelsea finances: Blues announce biggest pre-tax loss of any club in Premier League history
Who has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Who do England and Scotland play? Could Lionel Messi face Cristiano Ronaldo?
Eddie Howe Under Pressure as Newcastle Face Summer Exodus and Uncertain Future
Roberto De Zerbi: Tottenham in talks with ex-Brighton boss about taking over as head coach
""
— AFNEWS reporter