Buenos Aires/Bhubaneswar, Sep 4: As Argentina prepares to host Venezuela in a crucial World Cup qualifier on Thursday, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi, who is likely to play his final home qualifier for La Albiceleste.

While Messi has not officially announced his retirement, he confirmed that the match at Buenos Aires’ iconic Monumental Stadium will be a “very special” occasion.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni echoed the sentiment, urging fans to savour the moment. “Yes, this is a match which Leo has said will be emotional because it's true that it's our last (home) qualifying match,” Scaloni said.

“We have to enjoy it as we've always been saying. More than anyone I will enjoy it. Having been able to coach him has honestly been a pleasure and let's hope that fans who go to the stadium will also enjoy it because he truly deserves it."

Argentina has already secured its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, topping the South American qualifying group with 35 points from 16 matches. Venezuela, meanwhile, sits seventh and is fighting for a historic first-ever World Cup berth. The top six teams qualify directly, while the seventh will enter an intercontinental playoff.

The match promises to be a blend of celebration and tension. For Argentina, it might turn out to be a farewell to a legend. For Venezuela, it’s a shot at rewriting history. Messi is expected to start and will also travel with the team for their final qualifier against Ecuador next week.

With nearly 100,000 fans expected to fill the Monumental, the atmosphere will be electric. Whether this is truly Messi’s last competitive home game remains uncertain, but Scaloni hinted at a possible future tribute: “If he decides it’s the last, we’ll make sure he plays another. He deserves that.”

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