"Being able to end this way here is what I always dreamed of"

Following Argentina's 3-0 victory over Venezuela on Thursday in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, the captain of the 'Albiceleste', Lionel Messi, was thrilled to have played his last official home match, in which he scored twice and managed to finish, he said, as he had always dreamed.

"Being able to finish this way here is what I always dreamed of. Being able to celebrate with my people," Messi said after the resounding victory over the 'Vinotinto' on the penultimate matchday of the South American qualifiers.

The 38-year-old footballer highlighted the affection he received from the fans and mentioned that, despite having been questioned for many years, he is left with "all the good things" and his achievements.

When asked about his participation in the 2026 World Cup, for which Argentina has already qualified, he reiterated his long-standing position that it will depend on how he feels as the date approaches.

"Take it game by game. At this point, nine months go by very quickly and at the same time it's a long time," he said, adding: "I'll see how I feel."

"What is clear is that today was the last day for points here and from now on it's day by day, trying to feel good and above all be honest with myself," he said, stressing: "When I feel good, I enjoy myself, and if I'm not feeling well, I really have a hard time, I'd rather not be there, so we'll see."

On his possible departure from the national team in the short term, he said: "It's not something I like, want or am looking forward to, but time is passing, it's been many years, and well, sometimes I feel good, sometimes not so good, and it depends a lot on that."

After the victory against Venezuela, Argentina's coach, Lionel Scaloni, announced that Messi will not travel to next Tuesday's match against Ecuador in Guayaquil for the last day of the qualifiers: "He finished tired. He should have come off, but he didn't because of the emotion of the match."

With Thursday's victory, Argentina reached 38 points in 17 qualifying matches, keeping them at the top of the table by a wide margin with only one match day remaining.