Lionel Messi fights back tears as fans give poignant tribute before his potential last home appearance for Argentina

It was an emotional night for football legend Lionel Messi in Buenos Aires on Thursday. Messi, who made is World Cup debut at the age of just 18 back in 2006, has played a massive role in the success of La Albiceleste on the international stage by guiding them to the 2014 FIFA World Cup final and to the title finally at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Doha.

He was turning out for his final competitive match in Argentina as the defending World Cup champions faced off again Venezuela in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match. With tears in his eyes and crowd chanting his name, the Inter Miami strike scored twice in a 3-0 win over Venezuela at a packed Estadio Monumental on Thursday night. The sold-out crowd roared its appreciation as the world champion captain delivered another masterclass on home soil.

Messi ensured his last home World Cup qualifier in Argentina colours would be remembered for joy rather than nostalgia. “Being able to finish this way here is what I’ve always dreamed of,” Messi reflected afterwards. “I’ve experienced a lot of things on this pitch, both good and not so good, but it’s always a joy to play in Argentina, in front of our fans.”