Messi's finale on his homeland

There are moments in football that aren't measured by goals or titles, but by the emotions that linger in the hearts of fans.

Lionel Messi's participation in the 2026 World Cup is not yet guaranteed.

On the morning of September 5th at Estadio Mas Monumental, Lionel Messi created one of those moments. He broke down in tears, waved, and scored a goal, as if writing the final chapter to a great journey spanning more than two decades.

A battle of hearts

The 3-0 victory against Venezuela in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers was just the backdrop. What the whole world remembers about this match is Messi walking onto the field with his three sons, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, under the radiant gaze of his wife Antonela, amidst the resounding shouts of "Messi, Messi" that filled the entire Buenos Aires.

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

That honesty is Messi's essence. Throughout his career, he rarely used flowery language to maintain his fame. He simply said: "If I feel well, I will enjoy it. If not, I will stop." It is this simplicity that makes Messi different.

Messi's journey with Argentina was far from a bed of roses. He was criticized for not being "a true Argentinian" growing up in Barcelona, ​​and even unfairly compared to Maradona. But time, along with patience and hard work, changed everything.

The World Cup trophy in Qatar in 2022 was a liberation, a final act of revenge. Messi not only lifted the trophy with his own hands, but also reclaimed the complete love of his homeland.

On the farewell night against Venezuela, tens of thousands of fans sang non-stop. If there had been doubts before, today there was only pride.

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

Messi's moment of tears at Monumental is reminiscent of classic farewells in football history. In 2006, Zinedine Zidane bowed his head as he left the World Cup after a bitter red card. In 2014, Miroslav Klose quietly bid farewell to the German national team after setting a goalscoring record. Ronaldo "the Fat" broke down in tears during his final days at Corinthians. Each departure was different, but few have had such a perfect ending as Messi: scoring goals, winning, and being sung to by the entire nation as a farewell.

Messi is also different from Cristiano Ronaldo, who is still fighting hard in the Portuguese national team despite his age. Messi chooses to be honest with himself, not clinging to the past when his body no longer allows it. If Ronaldo is a symbol of steely will, then Messi is an example of composure and self-respect.

Scaloni and the recognition from Argentina

Coach Lionel Scaloni also broke down in tears when talking about Messi. He affirmed, "Messi has taken the right to decide when to stop." This is not just the respect of a coach for a player, but an acknowledgment from the entire Argentine football community to the greatest icon in their history.

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

193 matches, 112 goals, countless immortal moments, and most importantly: the 2022 World Cup. These are dry numbers, but they speak volumes. Messi's legacy lies not only in statistics, but in emotion. He brought hope and happiness to a nation that had yearned for glory for over three decades.

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

Back home in Argentina, when Messi shed tears, they weren't tears of regret, but tears of fulfillment. He had it all: titles, love, and recognition. If Qatar 2022 was the most glorious chapter, then Monumental 2025 could be the perfect ending – where Messi concludes with a smile mixed with tears, in the embrace of his homeland.

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

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

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