"The result itself mattered little - Argentina had already sealed qualification for next summer's tournament - but the occasion belonged entirely to Messi. A hero to millions, the former Barcelona great is approaching the final stretch of an unparalleled international career. The sight of him in tears after the final whistle offered a reminder that his journey with the Albiceleste is now more finite than ever."
""Being able to finish this way here is what I've always dreamed of," he admitted, struggling to contain his emotions. "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." The joy was tempered by reality. While Messi left the door ajar, his words suggested that the 2026 World Cup may not feature him."
Lionel Messi, 38, scored twice in a 3-0 victory over Venezuela at the Estadio Monumental and was emotional after the match, suggesting it could be his last competitive appearance in Argentina. Argentina had already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup, making the result less consequential than the occasion itself. Lautaro MartÃnez added a header and a linesman denied Messi a potential hat-trick. Messi said finishing that way in front of home fans was a dream, but acknowledged his age makes another World Cup unlikely and said he is taking things day by day.
Read at Soccer News
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