Lionel Messi has once again sparked speculation about his retirement after his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, shared a heartfelt tribute following what many believe could have been his last appearance in front of a home crowd with Argentina.
On Friday morning, Argentina sealed a comfortable 3-0 win over Venezuela in their CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Despite the team already securing a spot at the 2026 World Cup, fans packed the stadium, eager to witness what might be Messi’s final outing in Argentina’s iconic blue and white jersey on home soil.
At 38 years old, the football icon is nearing the twilight of his career, though he has never given a definite timeline for retirement. After the victory, however, his comments hinted that his exit from international football could be closer than expected.
Before kickoff, Messi was visibly emotional as supporters filled the stadium with chants of his name, a collective gesture of gratitude for everything he has delivered to the national team over the past two decades. His leadership during Argentina’s triumphant 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar remains one of the greatest highlights of his career, and many fans had hoped to see him lead the team again in 2026.
Speaking after the match, Messi admitted the odds were against him making another World Cup appearance: “Like I said before, I don’t think I’ll play another one. At my age, it doesn’t seem likely. But we’re close now, and I’m motivated to keep going.”
He emphasized that his decision will depend entirely on how he feels physically and mentally as the tournament approaches. “I take it day by day. If I feel good, I enjoy it. But if not, I prefer to step aside. I haven’t made a final decision yet.”
While his words left the door slightly open, they also underscored the reality that Argentina may soon have to move forward without their greatest-ever player.
Adding to the emotional evening, Messi’s wife Antonela posted a moving message on Instagram shortly after the match. Alongside a photo of Messi on the pitch with their sons Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, she wrote: “Proud of you, every step you take and everything you’ve built with love and effort. How lucky are we to walk this path with you! We love you.”
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