Messi plays his final match for Argentina on home soil.

It is believed that Lionel Messi will make his last appearance for the Argentina national team at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

Recently, the Argentina national team announced a preliminary list of 31 players in preparation for two matches in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Notably, captain Lionel Messi has once again been called up and is likely to remain a key player.

However, this could also mark Messi's final time wearing the national team jersey at the Monumental. Specifically, according to information from DSPORT, the clash against Venezuela on September 5 (Vietnam time) is expected to be Messi's last official match for Argentina in Buenos Aires.

The report stated: "Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the match versus Venezuela on September 4 will be Leo Messi’s final official game for the national team in Buenos Aires."

The 2026 World Cup qualifiers wrap up at the end of September, and Argentina will not play any more official home matches until after the Finalissima (scheduled for March 2026 and likely to be held outside Argentina), followed by the 2026 World Cup in the USA.

It should be emphasized that this refers only to official matches, excluding friendlies. If Messi takes the field at the Monumental on September 5, it may be the last time fans witness him captaining Argentina in an official home game.

Messi has always shared a special bond with Buenos Aires. The Monumental was where he celebrated the 2022 World Cup title with the fans in 2023, and it has been the backdrop for many unforgettable moments in his international career. If this is truly his farewell in the capital, it would be an emotional conclusion to a key chapter in the journey of one of the greatest players in Argentina’s football history.

Throughout his international career, El Pulga has recorded 112 goals and 61 assists in 193 appearances for La Albiceleste.

After enduring many hardships alongside different generations of teammates, Messi was finally rewarded with major trophies, including two Copa Americas (2021, 2024), the 2022 Finalissima, and most notably, the 2022 World Cup.

At present, Messi himself has not made any decisions regarding whether he will retire from international football or continue through to the 2026 World Cup.

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