Sports Desk :
Even at the age of 38, Lionel Messi is in great form. He has missed matches due to injuries. But he can also write a comeback story brilliantly. Meanwhile, there have been rumors of Messi’s retirement from international football for the past few years. However, according to Franco Armani, Messi’s time to retire has not yet come.
The topic of Messi’s departure is mainly related to the qualifying matches ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The Argentina-Venezuela match will start at 5:30 am Bangladesh time the day after tomorrow at the Estadio Mas Monumental Stadium. It is heard that this could be Messi’s last match in the qualifying matches. More precisely, Messi is going to play his last match in Argentina. However, former Argentine goalkeeper Franco Armani does not want this to happen. Armani himself plays for the River Plate club in Argentina at the age of 38. Armani said at an event at the River Plate Foundation yesterday, ‘I don’t think Messi will make any decision right now. Let him think a little more. No one is ready to see him go. After Thursday, he should think about it more deeply.’
After winning the Leagues Cup semi-final against Inter Miami on August 28, he talked about Argentina’s last two matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. That’s when he gave special importance to the match against Venezuela. After the Leagues Cup semi-final, he said, ‘This match (Argentina-Venezuela) is very special for me. Because this is going to be my last match in the qualifiers.’ A week after the Venezuela match, Argentina will have to play in Ecuador. The Argentina-Ecuador qualifier match will start in the early hours of September 10, Bangladesh time. Messi is also taking this match with special importance. Regarding the Argentina-Ecuador match, Messi said, ‘The match is very important. My wife, children, parents, brothers and sisters – everyone will be in this match. But I don’t know what will happen after that.’
The 23rd World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico in June-July next year. This time Argentina will embark on a mission to retain the title. There have been rumors of Messi’s retirement from international football with this World Cup since the 2022 Qatar World Cup. In addition, the Argentine forward has adapted well to the US environment and their football culture in two years. In 2023, Messi moved from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to Inter Miami. Since then, a separate craze has started in the United States about Messi. Messi won the 2024 Copa America in the United States. Fans and supporters have been seen wearing jerseys with his name on them in the gallery at the venue where the Argentine forward played.
After the World Cup in the United States, the next World Cup will be in 2030. The qualifying round will begin in 2027, with the 24th World Cup in sight. The Argentine forward will turn 40 in 2027. In addition, injuries have been bothering him a lot recently. Now it remains to be seen what decision Messi makes after the two qualifying matches on September 5 and 10. Meanwhile, Messi came close to winning a third title in the Inter Miami jersey, but it was not possible. Miami lost 3-0 to Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field Stadium the day before yesterday. 2023 Leagues Cup, 2024 Supporters Shield – Messi won these two titles for Miami.
