If Thursday night was Lionel Messi’s last match that he’ll play for Argentina in his home country, he went out in style.
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Messi scored twice as Argentina blanked Venezuela 3-0 at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires to maintain their 10-point lead atop the CONMEBOL standings. La Albiceleste have already qualified for next summer’s World Cup.
Following the 2022 World Cup, which Argentina won, there was speculation that the event in Qatar would be Messi’s last. He’s continued representing his national team, but the end is near. Messi will be 40 when qualifying for the 2030 World Cup begins in two years and he’s battled numerous injuries the past few seasons with Inter Miami.
As for whether he’ll be part of the 2026 tournament in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, Messi said Thursday that he will see how his body feels when it’s time to make a commitment.
As Inter Miami resumes it’s push for an MLS title after this international break and with Argentina already qualified, Messi will not play in their final match on Tuesday in Ecuador.
The Herons currently sit in an Eastern Conference playoff spot 11 points behind the first-place Philadelphia Union. Inter Miami need Messi fit if they are to win their first-ever MLS Cup.