Lionel Messi’s final World Cup qualifier grabs the spotlight

BUENOS AIRES – Lionel Messi is set to play his final World Cup qualifier in Argentina on Sept 4 (Sept 5, Singapore time), while five South American teams are still competing for the remaining automatic places at the 2026 tournament in what could be a dramatic climax.

The 38-year-old Argentina captain will take to the pitch at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires to face Venezuela in what he describes as a very special match, with his family set to be in attendance, including his wife, children, parents and siblings.

“It’s going to be very special for me because it will be my last qualifying match. I don’t know if there will be friendlies or more matches after that,” the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said last week.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, meanwhile, said that it was going to be “emotional, special and beautiful”.

“We have to enjoy it,” he said on Sept 3.

“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.

“Tomorrow will be exciting for everyone. I’m sure that it won’t be his last game in Argentina, and 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.”

While Argentina have secured their World Cup berth, topping the table in South America’s qualifying competition with 35 points, three automatic qualification spots are still to be determined ahead of the latest fixtures and the final match day on Sept 9.

Ecuador and Brazil have also already qualified with 25 points. But Uruguay and Paraguay with 24 points each, Colombia (22), Venezuela (18) and Bolivia (17) remain in contention.

Ecuador’s remarkable recovery stands as one of the campaign’s most compelling storylines, having overcome a three-point penalty for a player eligibility issue to successfully secure qualification.

Brazil’s journey has been far bumpier, marked by coaching upheaval that saw Dorival Jr replaced following a 4-1 away defeat by Argentina in March.

Carlo Ancelotti took up the job in May and made his debut in a goal-less draw with Ecuador the following month.

The qualifying cycle has produced many memorable moments, such as Colombia’s first-ever World Cup qualifying win over Brazil when they earned a stunning 2-1 victory in Barranquilla in November 2023. 

Uruguay also bade an emotional farewell to their captain, Luis Suarez, who retired from international football after the 0-0 draw with Paraguay in September 2024.

The Sept 4 fixtures see Paraguay face Ecuador, Argentina take on Venezuela, Uruguay meet Peru, Colombia host Bolivia and Brazil play Chile. 

If matters are not already settled, then the final match day on Sept 9 will determine the last automatic qualifiers for the global showdown next June and July, which will be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. REUTERS