Argentina’s star footballer Lionel Messi still hasn’t officially confirmed about his retirement but he acknowledged that the Argentina’s upcoming World Cup qualifier against Venezuela could be his last home appearance in such a match. Argentina has secured its place in the World Cup next year and will be facing Venezuela on next Thursday at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium in the second-to-last round of South American qualifiers. The final qualifier will be an away match against Ecuador on September 9.
“It’s going to be a very, very special match for me because it’s the last qualifying match,” the 38-year-old Messi said
Messi also hinted that he may step away from international football after next year’s World Cup where Argentina will attempt to defend their title they won in Qatar in 2022. By the time qualifiers for 2030 World Cup in 2027, Messi will be 40-years old.
“I don’t know if there will be friendlies or more matches after (Venezuela), but it is a very special match, so my family will be there with me: my wife, my children, my parents, my siblings,” Messi said. “We’re going to live it like that. I don’t know what will happen next.”
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After his recent comments, CONMEBOL, a South America’s football governing body shared a tribute on social media, calling it “the last dance,” alongside an image of Messi wearing the Argentina jersey.
It is also speculated that when Messi will play on his home soil, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) is increasing ticket prices with entry-level tickets that will start from $100 and premium seats prices reaching upto $500.
