There are moments in football that transcend sport. They become stories of identity, of belonging, of family. On September 4 at Monumental Stadium, Lionel Messi lived one of those nights. The Argentine captain, the boy from Rosario who became the world’s greatest, played his last official home match with the Albiceleste. It was a goodbye written with goals, embraces, and tears that Argentina will carry forever.
Argentina’s 3–0 win over Venezuela for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers could have been just another step on the road to defending their crown. Instead, it became Messi’s personal closure at home. He scored twice, celebrated with his people, and left the pitch knowing the Monumental crowd was giving him the tribute of a lifetime.
His teammate Lautaro Martínez added the third goal, but every cheer, every flag, every tear in the stadium was for Leo. As he walked out of the tunnel with his three sons, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, all dressed in Argentina colors, the weight of the moment was clear. This was family, country, and legacy blending into one unforgettable scene.
Antonela’s Message to Messi
After the final whistle, the person who has shared every high and low of Messi’s career stepped into the spotlight. Antonela Roccuzzo, his lifelong partner and the quiet force behind him, dedicated a simple but powerful Instagram message.
“Proud of you, of every step you take, and everything you’ve built with love and effort. How lucky we are to accompany you on this journey!!! We love you @leomessi," she wrote. Her words, paired with photos of Messi and their children before kickoff, captured the essence of the night.
Teammates’ Emotional Tributes
Messi’s teammates also joined in to honor the captain. Rodrigo De Paul, one of his closest allies on and off the pitch, shared a photo of a warm embrace with Messi and wrote: “I don’t know until when, but until the last day I will enjoy you as much as the first. THANK YOU, MASTER.”
After the match, Messi opened his heart. Speaking to TyC Sports, he said: “So many emotions, knowing it was the last one here for points. I’ve lived through many things in this stadium. Good ones, not so good ones, but it’s always a joy to play in Argentina, especially after a win. To be able to end this way here is what I always dreamed of. To be with my people.” He acknowledged that while his years in Barcelona filled him with love, the dream of feeling that same connection at home was now fulfilled.
Later, he explained why he won’t travel with the team for the next qualifier against Ecuador: resting was the priority after recovering from injury, with eyes on MLS commitments and October’s international matches.
And finally, on Instagram, Messi left fans with a message straight from the heart: “A very special night that still leaves me speechless with emotion. Thank you from the heart to everyone for your love and for always supporting us. Whatever happens, and whatever the future holds — only God knows… LET’S GO ARGENTINA!”
The Legacy of a Farewell
Messi’s last home match with Argentina was about closing a circle that began with a boy dribbling a ball in Rosario and ended with the world’s greatest lifting the World Cup in Qatar, before saying goodbye to his home crowd on his own terms.
For Argentina, he still has much to contribute both abroad and in upcoming matches. This was a farewell to Messi at home, a place where every child who ever kicked a ball in the street dreamed of being like him. This night will be remembered not only as a sporting event but also as a national story of pride, gratitude, and love.