Argentina closed its participation as a local in the South American qualifier with a comfortable victory against Venezuela (3-0). The day was very emotional from the start as it was Leo Messi's last match as a local in the tournament, but it ended with dramatic overtones due to the Rosario native's surprising statements at the end of the match.
Although it is known that the '10' will hardly continue wearing the Albiceleste shirt after the 2026 World Cup, everyone takes his participation in the North American event for granted. At least it was, until Leo himself left the possibility of playing his sixth World Cup 'in the air' (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022).
Leo Messi does not guarantee reaching the 2026 World Cup with Argentina
"The same thing I said at another time: I don't think I'll play in the next World Cup. Due to my age, the most logical thing is that I won't make it. I'm excited, eager, but I'm going day by day and game after game," 'La Pulga' began by saying after the win against 'Vinotinto'.
Leo scored two of the three Argentine goals in his farewell to the mythical Monumental stadium, which chanted his name throughout the match with the stands filled with almost 90,000 fans. However, the '10' did not want to completely rule out his presence at the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
"From now on, I will continue as I have been until now, seeing day by day, trying to feel good and above all being honest with myself. When I feel good, I enjoy it. And if I'm not well, I have a bad time and I prefer not to be there. I'll see," Messi said.
Despite his veteran status and having played for Inter Miami for two years, Leo remains the top scorer in the qualifier with 8 goals in 12 matches. He is followed by Luis Díaz (7 goals in 16 matches with Colombia) and Miguel Terceros (6 goals in 11 appearances with Bolivia).
Winning the MLS, Leo Messi's main immediate goal
As things stand, 'La Pulga' will focus on staying healthy in the coming months to see if he can reach the World Cup in top physical condition. Before that, the 37-year-old striker will try to help Inter Miami win their first league title in the United States.
The 'herons' fell last week in the Leagues Cup final (3-0 against Seattle Sounders), but they have their qualification for the 'play offs' well on track to try to win the MLS Cup.
"I came out of an injury, I've played three games and there's still a lot left for the end of the season. Now I have to focus on winning the MLS and we don't want to take risks. That's why we decided with Scaloni that I wouldn't travel to Ecuador," Leo Messi pointed out. Argentina will play two friendlies in October and the '10' hopes to be available by then.