In a bittersweet moment for football fans worldwide, Argentine manager Lionel Scaloni has urged viewers to savour what is likely to be Lionel Messi’s last home World Cup qualifier match against Venezuela on Friday.
While Messi has not formally announced his retirement plans yet, he admitted to some reporters last week that the clash at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires would be a “very special match” for the recent World Cup champion.
What did Scaloni say?
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Scaloni addressed the possibility of tomorrow’s match against Venezuela marking Messi’s last qualifying match at home.
Yes, this is a match which Leo has said will be emotional because it’s true that it’s our last (home) qualifying match.” “We have to enjoy it as we’ve always been saying. More than anyone, I will enjoy it. Having been able to coach him has honestly been a pleasure, and let’s hope that fans who go to the stadium will also enjoy it because he truly deserves it.”
Upon being pressed by reporters on whether this will be Messi’s last match in Argentina, Scaloni remarked that he is sure this won’t be Messi’s last game in his country.
“We’ll make sure that if he decides it’s the last game, we play another because it’s obvious to do that at the right moment and because he deserves it,” the football manager added.
World Cup 2026: Qualifiers group rankings
Argentina presently leads the South American qualifying group with 35 points from 16 games. It is already guaranteed a place at next year’s World Cup, which will be jointly hosted in venues across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Meanwhile, their opponent in the next fixture, Venezuela, ranks seventh in the 10-team standings as it seeks to qualify for its first-ever World Cup.
When asked about his view on the opposition’s form, Sacloni said, “It’s an uncomfortable, difficult opponent that has achieved some very good results under Bocha (manager Fernando Batista),”
“They are on the verge of playing, or have the possibility of playing, in a World Cup, which would be something historic for them. So, we appreciate that and know that there is a lot at stake in tomorrow’s match. That makes the game exciting to watch and, as always, we will try to win by playing our way,” he added.
The top six South American teams will earn direct entry to next year’s tournament, while the seventh-ranked side will dispute an intercontinental playoff.
Argentina’s last 2026 World Cup qualifier will be an away clash against Ecuador on Tuesday.