“What I always dreamed of” – Messi reflects after final competitive match in Argentina

Overview

• Lionel Messi’s final competitive match in Argentina ended in style.
• His side defeated Venezuela 3-0 in the World Cup Qualifiers.
• Messi scored a brace while Lautaro Martínez added one more.

Lionel Messi’s final competitive match in Argentina ended in style as his side defeated Venezuela 3-0 in the World Cup Qualifiers at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Messi scored a brace while Lautaro Martínez added one more. After the game, the Argentine legend sounded emotional, admitting that he had always dreamt of finishing like this.

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Reflecting on his journey in front of home fans, Messi said: "There are so many emotions, I've experienced so many things on this field. It's always a joy to play in Argentina with our people. We've been enjoying match after match for many years. I'm very happy; being able to finish in this way here is what I always dreamed of.”

He also looked back on the support he has received throughout his career, both in Barcelona and at home in Argentina. "For many years, I have had the affection of Barcelona, and my dream was to have it here, too, in my country with my people. For many years, a lot of things were said, but well, I'll stay with all the good. All the good with the group that tried it couldn't get it and concentrate. Then, I was given it and some of the players in the roster and the past one. Everything we lived was beautiful. Today was the last one for points here.”

"I go day by day, going by how I feel.” - Messi

When asked about the possibility of playing in the FIFA World Cup 2026, Messi admitted that his age makes it uncertain but did not completely rule it out. "Same as I said before about the World Cup that I don't think I'll play another. Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won't make it. But well, we're almost there, so I'm excited and motivated to play it. Like I always say, I go day by day, going by how I feel.”

Messi stressed that honesty with himself would guide his decision on whether to play in the World Cup. "I'm trying to feel good and, above all, being honest with myself. When I feel good, I enjoy it, but when I don't, honestly, I don't have a good time, so I prefer not to be there if I don't feel good. So we'll see. I haven't made a decision about the World Cup.”

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He concluded by saying that his final call will only come after the current MLS season and his next preseason. "I'll finish the season, then I'll have preseason, and there will be six months left. So, we'll see how I feel. Hopefully, I'll have a good preseason in 2026 and finish this MLS season well, and then I'll decide."