Lionel Messi was unable to hold back his tears before and after the Argentina vs. Venezuela match in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, after the warm reception he received from the fans at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
The Venezuela match was his last in Argentina, and the fans were keen to bid him farewell in a very emotional way, in recognition of his legendary career with the country.
During the warm-up, Messi cried when he heard the fans’ cheers and saw the banners of love scattered around the stadium. During the match, he scored two goals in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Venezuela.
Leo Messi lagrimeando al entrar en calor en el campo de juego… 😢
Se viene una noche de emociones fuertes… pic.twitter.com/wVdlzBleg0
— Siempre Con Argentina⭐⭐⭐ (@siempreconargok) September 4, 2025
After the match, Messi cried again and expressed to the media how proud he was of the love he had received in his homeland, a love he had always dreamed of since the beginning of his international career two decades ago.
The 37-year-old said after the match, “I have lived many moments in this stadium, and now I am fulfilling one of my biggest dreams by saying goodbye to my people.”
He added, “I have received immense love from Barcelona fans for many years, and it was my dream to feel the same here in my homeland, and thank God, that has come true.”
It should be noted that Messi has announced that he will not participate in next week’s match against Ecuador against Argentina, a joint decision between him and coach Lionel Scaloni, so he can get some rest before returning to Inter Miami.
