Messi to play his final World Cup qualifier

KATHMANDU: Captain Lionel Messi is set to play his final World Cup qualifying match this week on home soil in Argentina, while four other South American teams continue to fight for the remaining automatic World Cup spots for 2026.

The 38-year-old will take the field on Thursday at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium against Venezuela, describing the game as a “very special” moment. Messi’s family—including his wife, children, parents, and siblings—will be in attendance.

“This will be very special for me, as it’s my last qualifier. After this, I don’t know if there will be friendly or other matches,” said the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner earlier this week.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni told reporters on Wednesday, “If this is truly the last qualifier, we must embrace it with emotion, make it special, and enjoy the moment.”

Argentina has already secured a World Cup spot at the top of the standings with 35 points. Three more automatic spots remain.

Ecuador and Brazil, both with 25 points, have also qualified. Uruguay and Paraguay are tied at 24 points, while Colombia sits fifth with 22 points.

Venezuela, with 18 points, still dreams of qualifying for their first-ever World Cup.

Ecuador’s return to the tournament is one of the campaign’s most remarkable stories, as the team overcame a three-point deduction due to a player eligibility dispute to secure their place.

Brazil’s qualifying journey has been less stable. After a 4–1 loss to Argentina, coach Dorival Júnior was replaced by Carlo Ancelotti, who debuted in a 0–0 draw against Ecuador.

The qualifiers have already seen historic moments. In November 2023, Colombia defeated Brazil 2–1 for the first time, while in September 2024, Uruguay’s captain Luis Suárez retired from international football after a 0–0 draw against Paraguay.

Thursday’s fixtures include Paraguay vs. Ecuador, Argentina vs. Venezuela, Uruguay vs. Peru, Colombia vs. Bolivia, and Brazil vs. Chile.

If any qualifying spots remain undecided, the final round of matches on September 9 will determine the last automatic World Cup places.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States in June–July next year.