Lionel Messi drops new retirement hint as he wipes away tears in interview

Lionel Messi helped Argentine win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar but questions have been asked about whether the 38-year-old will be involved at next summer’s tournament

Argentina legend Lionel Messi admitted his career is nearing its end, hinting he might not still be in the picture to defend his country’s World Cup title. Messi starred at the 2022 World Cup as the Albiceleste beat France in a dramatic final, but turned 38 in July and has admitted he is preparing to take stock before next summer’s tournament in North America.

The veteran, who plays his club football for Inter Miami, cut a tearful figure after playing for Argentina against Venezuela. He scored twice in what could end up being his final competitive international game on home soil, before addressing his future in a post-match interview.

“There are so many emotions. I’ve experienced so many things on this field,” Messi said, as translated by BBC Sport. “It’s always a joy to play in Argentina with our people. I’m very happy. Being able to finish in this way here is what I always dreamed of.

“For many years I have had the affection of Barcelona, and my dream was to have it here too, in my country with my people. For many years a lot of things were said but, well, I’ll stay with all the good.”

He added: “We’ll see. I haven’t made a decision about the World Cup. I’ll finish the season then I’ll have pre-season, and there will be six months left. So we’ll see how I feel.”

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Major League Soccer operates outside the FIFA calendar, meaning Inter Miami’s campaign runs until October. If they qualify for the playoffs and make it all the way to MLS Cup, their last game of the 2025 season would arrive on December 6.

The Florida side, managed by Messi’s former international team-mate Javier Mascherano, currently sit in sixth place in the Eastern Conference. They have four games in hand on leaders Philadelphia Union, though, thanks in part to their involvement in the Club World Cup.

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni was similarly emotional when addressing Messi’s future before the Venezuela game. “This is a match which Leo has said will be emotional, special, nice because it’s true that it’s our last qualifying match. We have to enjoy it, as we’ve always been saying,” the manager said.

“I’m sure that it won’t be his last game in Argentina and I say that we’ll make sure that if he decides it’s the last game, we play another because it’s obvious to do that in the right moment and because he deserves it,” he added. “He earned the right to decide when to stop. From our side, he will always have support.”

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