Lionel Messi hints at emotional home farewell in September World Cup qualifier

Buenos Aires, Argentina (AP) - August 29: Lionel Messi has yet to announce his retirement plans, but he has acknowledged that next week's match against Venezuela might mark his final appearance in a World Cup qualifier on home soil with Argentina's national team.

"It's going to be a very, very special match for me because it's the last qualifying match," said the 38-year-old Messi on Wednesday night, following Inter Miami's triumph over Orlando City to advance to the Leagues Cup final.

With Argentina already securing a place in next year's World Cup, they're set to host Venezuela on Thursday at Buenos Aires' Monumental Stadium for the penultimate round of South American qualifiers. Their final match will be against Ecuador on September 9.

Messi has suggested that his retirement from international duty may come after next year's World Cup, where Argentina aims to defend their title from Qatar 2022.

The qualifiers for the 2030 World Cup commence in 2027, by which time Messi will be 40 years old.

"I don't know if there will be friendlies or more matches after (Venezuela), but it is a very special match, so my family will be there with me: my wife, my children, my parents, my siblings," Messi remarked. "We're going to live it like that. I don't know what will happen next."

In response to Messi's comments, CONMEBOL, the governing body for South American soccer, shared on social media that "the last dance is coming," alongside a picture of Messi wearing an Argentina jersey.

Meanwhile, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) is seizing the opportunity of Messi's last home match by increasing ticket prices, with the cheapest tickets starting at $100 and the most expensive reaching around $500. (AP)

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