Messi's finale in Argentina

Lionel Messi is unlikely to attend the 2026 World Cup.

On the morning of September 5 at Estadio Mas Monumental, Lionel Messi created one of those moments. He burst into tears, waved goodbye and scored, as if writing the final ode to a great journey that has lasted more than two decades.

Battle of the Hearts

The 3-0 result against Venezuela in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers was just the backdrop. What the world remembers about this match is Messi stepping onto the pitch with his three sons Thiago, Mateo, Ciro, under the radiant eyes of his wife Antonela, while the chants of “Messi, Messi” filled the air of Buenos Aires.

At 38, Messi knows he doesn't have many matches left. He frankly admits: the 2026 World Cup may be out of reach, and the decision will depend on his body.

That honesty is Messi's nature. Throughout his career, he has rarely used flowery words to maintain the halo. He simply said: "If I feel good, I will enjoy. If not, I will stop." It is that simplicity that makes Messi different.

Messi’s journey with Argentina has not been a bed of roses. He was criticized for being “not a real Argentine” when he grew up in Barcelona, and was even unfairly compared to Maradona. But time, patience and effort have changed everything.

The Qatar 2022 gold cup is a liberation, a final response. Messi not only lifted the cup with his hands, but also won back the complete love from his homeland.

The farewell night against Venezuela, tens of thousands of fans sang non-stop. If there was doubt before, today there is only pride.

At 38, Messi understands he doesn't have many matches left.

Messi's tearful moment at the Monumental recalled some of the most iconic farewells in football history. In 2006, Zinedine Zidane bowed out of the World Cup after a bitter red card. In 2014, Miroslav Klose quietly left the German national team after setting a goalscoring record. Ronaldo burst into tears in his final days at Corinthians. Everyone leaves in their own way, but few have a happy ending like Messi: scoring, winning, and having the whole country sing their farewell.

Messi is also different from Cristiano Ronaldo - who is still struggling to fight for Portugal, despite his age. Messi chooses to be honest with himself, not trying to hold on when his body no longer allows it. If Ronaldo is a symbol of steel will, then Messi is an example of sobriety and self-respect.

Scaloni and the recognition from Argentina

Coach Lionel Scaloni also burst into tears when talking about Messi. He affirmed that “Messi has the right to decide when to stop”. That is not only the respect of a coach for the player, but also the recognition of the whole Argentine football for the greatest symbol in their history.

Scaloni also confirmed that Argentina will always be ready to organize another farewell match, if Messi wants. Because clearly, a legend like him deserves to be honored many times, until he hangs up his boots.

193 games, 112 goals, countless immortal moments and most importantly: the 2022 World Cup. Those are dry numbers but they say it all. Messi's legacy is not just in statistics, but in emotions. He brings confidence and happiness to a nation that has been thirsting for glory for more than three decades.

Messi may not appear at the 2026 World Cup, this may be his last official match on his home soil.

In his home country of Argentina, when Messi shed tears, they were not tears of regret, but tears of fulfillment. He had it all: titles, love and recognition. If Qatar 2022 was the most brilliant golden chapter, then Monumental 2025 could be the perfect ending - where Messi closed with a smile mixed with tears, in the arms of his homeland.

Messi may not appear at the 2026 World Cup, this may be his last official match on his home soil. But for Argentina, for world football, Messi's legacy has transcended the borders of time. He is not only the greatest player of his generation, but also a cultural icon, part of the soul of football.

When Messi bowed his head and waved goodbye to the Monumental, the whole world knew that a chapter in history had closed. But in the hearts of millions, that journey will forever resonate.

Source: https://znews.vn/khuc-vi-thanh-cua-messi-tren-dat-argentina-post1582833.html