The Final Bow? Messi’s Hint of a Farewell Ignites a Nation’s Emotions
Buenos Aires, Argentina – A nation is holding its collective breath. A simple, yet poignant, statement from Lionel Messi has sent shockwaves through the world of football, suggesting that the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Venezuela on September 4, 2025, could be his last competitive match for Argentina on home soil. The mere whisper of a potential international retirement for the 38-year-old icon has transformed a routine qualifier into a momentous occasion, heavy with the weight of a possible “last dance.”
Speaking to the media after a stellar performance for his club, Inter Miami, Messi described the clash at the Estadio Monumental as “a very special match for me because it’s the last one of the qualifiers. I don’t know if there will be a friendly or more matches afterwards, but it is a very special match and that’s why my family is going to accompany me” he would play in front of his adoring home crowd. A rare public acknowledgment of his footballing mortality that has left fans both nostalgic and anxious.
The reaction was immediate and widespread. Argentina’s football association (AFA) and the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) quickly amplified the sentiment, with the latter posting a simple, yet powerful, message online: “The last dance is coming.” For a country that has worshipped at the altar of Messi for nearly two decades, the prospect of his farewell from the Albiceleste is a difficult one to fathom.
A Tumultuous Love Affair
Messi’s journey with the Argentine national team has been a saga of dizzying highs and crushing lows, a dramatic narrative arc that has finally found its fairytale ending in recent years. For much of his career, the narrative was one of immense pressure and agonizing near-misses. The weight of succeeding Diego Maradona, of ending a senior international trophy drought that stretched back to 1993, seemed to hang heavy on his shoulders.
The heartbreaks were numerous and public: the 2014 World Cup final loss to Germany in extra time, followed by consecutive Copa América final defeats to Chile in 2015 and 2016. The latter, which saw Messi miss a crucial penalty in the shootout, led to a temporary, and shocking, retirement from the national team. “For me, the national team is over,” a distraught Messi declared. “I’ve done all I can. It hurts not to be a champion.”
That short-lived retirement, however, only served to underscore his importance to the team and the depth of his connection with the Argentine public. A groundswell of support, from fans to the country’s president, pleaded for his return. He was, and is, indispensable.
Leo Messi coming out from theatre in Buenos Aires 🥶🇦🇷
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) September 3, 2025
pic.twitter.com/8HOms5x1x6
The Scaloni Renaissance and Ultimate Triumph
The arrival of the unassuming Lionel Scaloni as head coach marked a turning point. Scaloni, a former teammate of Messi’s, built a team around his captain, fostering a sense of unity and taking the suffocating pressure off his star player. This new-look Argentina, a blend of seasoned veterans and hungry young talent, finally broke the curse.
The 2021 Copa América victory, secured with a 1-0 win over arch-rivals Brazil in the Maracanã Stadium, was a moment of pure catharsis for Messi. It was his first major international honor, a validation of his unwavering commitment. This was followed by a dominant victory over Italy in the 2022 Finalissima.
But the crowning glory, the moment that etched his name into the pantheon of footballing immortals, came at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. In one of the most thrilling finals in the tournament’s history, Messi led Argentina to a dramatic penalty shootout victory over France, finally capturing the one trophy that had eluded him. The image of Messi, joyously lifting the World Cup trophy, is one that will forever be ingrained in the memory of football fans worldwide.
A Team Prepared for the Future, But Not Ready to Say Goodbye
Under Scaloni, Argentina has become a formidable force. The team has already comfortably qualified for the 2026 World Cup, and the squad for the upcoming qualifiers against Venezuela and Ecuador is a testament to the depth of talent at their disposal. Stars like Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, and Enzo Fernández represent a bright future for the Albiceleste.
Scaloni, for his part, has been steadfast in his support of Messi’s autonomy over his future. “Let’s enjoy him while we have him,” the coach has urged. “Whatever has to happen, will happen. He earned the right to decide when to do it.”
This sentiment is echoed by the fans. While the prospect of a Messi-less Argentina is a daunting one, there is an overwhelming sense of gratitude. For years, the narrative was one of unfulfilled potential. Now, it is one of triumph and celebration. The upcoming match against Venezuela, therefore, is not just a qualifier; it is an opportunity for a nation to express its love and appreciation for its greatest-ever player.
Whether this truly is the beginning of the end for Messi’s international career remains to be seen. He has hinted before that the 2026 World Cup would be his last. But for now, as the lights prepare to shine on the Monumental, one thing is certain: every touch of the ball, every jinking run, every potential goal will be savored by a nation and the watching world, all hoping that this last dance, whenever it may be, is one to remember.
