Argentina skipper Lionel Messi had a cautious approach on playing the 2026 World Cup next year. Messi said this after his double helped Argentina win 3-0 win against Venezuela in the penultimate round of the South American qualifiers.
“In the past, I said it, logically, it was unlikely I’d play in a World Cup at 39. It’s nine months away, which is close, but it’s a long time as well,” Messi told reporters at the Monumental Stadium after Thursday night’s game.
“I love this, I love playing and I never want it to end, but the moment is coming, I am aware, it will happen when it has to happen. When I feel good, I enjoy myself. And if I’m not feeling well, I really struggle, I’d rather not be playing, so we’ll see,” Messi added, when asked about his fitness.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni decided that Messi should rest and not travel with the national team to the final qualifying match against Ecuador in Guayaquil on Tuesday.
Messi’s emotional moment
In the Venezuela match, the reigning World Cup champions, who have already qualified for the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the U.S., controlled proceedings from the opening whistle, creating chances through Nicolas Tagliafico and Franco Mastantuono only to be thwarted by Venezuela goalkeeper Rafael Romo.
Messi broke the deadlock in the 39th minute, the Argentine captain latching onto a pass from Julian Alvarez on a swift counter-attack and firing home into the top-right corner of Romo’s net.
Argentina maintained their relentless pressure in the second half, with Messi remaining the focal point of their attack, but the hosts had to wait until the 76th minute for a second goal, Nico Gonzalez delivering from the left for Lautaro Martinez to score with a diving header.
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Four minutes later, Messi capped off another excellent performance with a third goal, assisted by Thiago Almada.
“Being able to finish this way here with my people is what I always dreamed of,” an emotional Messi said after the match.
“For many years I had the affection of Barcelona fans and my dream was to have it here in my country too.”
(With agency inputs)
