Lionel Messi will play his last World Cup qualifying match for Argentina on Thursday. The 38-year-old captain will lead his team at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires against Venezuela.
Messi has called it a very special match. His wife, children, parents and siblings will be in the stands to watch. “It’s going to be very special for me because it will be my last qualifying match. I don’t know if there will be friendlies or more matches after that,” Messi said last week.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni also spoke ahead of the game. “It is going to be emotional, special and beautiful. If it really is the last qualifying match, we have to enjoy it,” he told reporters.
Argentina already booked their place in the 2026 World Cup. They lead the South American standings with 35 points. Ecuador and Brazil have also qualified with 25 points each.
The fight is still alive for the other three spots. Uruguay and Paraguay both have 24 points. Colombia has 22 points. Venezuela has 18 points and is still chasing a first-ever World Cup place.
Ecuador’s journey has been one of the biggest stories. They lost three points early in qualifying due to an eligibility issue but still made it through. Brazil’s campaign has been more difficult. Dorival Junior was sacked after a 4-1 defeat to Argentina. Carlo Ancelotti took charge soon after and began with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador.
There have been many big moments in this qualifying cycle. Colombia beat Brazil 2-1 in November 2023, their first ever World Cup qualifying win against them. Uruguay also saw Luis Suarez retire from international football during a 0-0 draw with Paraguay in September 2024.
Thursday’s schedule is packed. Paraguay face Ecuador, Argentina host Venezuela, Uruguay meet Peru, Colombia play Bolivia, and Brazil take on Chile.
If all three remaining spots are not decided by then, the final round on September 9 will settle everything. The 2026 World Cup will be played in Canada, Mexico and the United States in June and July.
