Buenos Aires, Sep 03 (V7N) – Lionel Messi could be playing his last competitive match on Argentine soil when the Albiceleste face Venezuela in a FIFA World Cup qualifier on September 5 (Bangladesh time).

Speculation is growing that the 37-year-old icon may retire from international football after the 2026 World Cup. Ahead of the qualifier, Messi admitted the emotional weight of the occasion. “This match is special for me, very special. Because it is the last match of the qualifiers in Buenos Aires,” the captain said.

Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions, trained for about an hour at AFA’s training center in Buenos Aires. Messi was joined by his trusted midfield partners Rodrigo de Paul and Leandro Paredes under the guidance of coach Lionel Scaloni.

Currently topping the CONMEBOL qualifying table, Argentina has already secured its World Cup berth, but the fixtures will continue as scheduled.

Meanwhile, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has hiked ticket prices for what could be Messi’s last home qualifier. The cheapest ticket is priced at $100, while VIP seats are selling for around $500, reflecting the extraordinary demand to witness a historic night in Argentine football.

END/SMA/AJ