When Argentina takes the sphere in Buenos Aires on Thursday, the environment will likely be not like another. The reigning world champions have already secured their place on the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Their opponents, Venezuela, nonetheless have every little thing to struggle for — a possible spot within the inter-confederation playoffs. But past the stakes for Venezuela, all eyes will likely be on Lionel Messi, who’s getting ready for what may very well be his remaining look on Argentine soil in a aggressive fixture.
However whereas followers put together to have fun their captain, an surprising subplot has emerged: ten Argentina gamers are only one yellow card away from suspension and will miss the high-profile conflict with Ecuador that follows. Messi, now 38, has not formally confirmed if he’ll play on the subsequent World Cup.
His contract with Inter Miami runs by 2025, with talks reportedly underway over a potential extension. However what is for certain is that this match holds extraordinary that means for the person who delivered Argentina their long-awaited third star.
“It’s going to be a really particular recreation for me as a result of it’s the final one within the qualifying spherical. I don’t know if there will likely be friendlies or extra video games after that,” Messi instructed Apple TV following Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup semifinal win over Orlando Metropolis on August 27. For Argentine followers, this sentiment makes Thursday’s match really feel like each a celebration and a farewell — even when Messi has not but closed the door on his World Cup future.
Ten gamers on skinny ice
Whereas Messi takes heart stage, coach Lionel Scaloni faces a fragile problem. Ten key members of the squad are one reserving away from suspension, that means they threat lacking Tuesday’s qualifier in opposition to Ecuador.
Amongst them is Messi’s shut good friend and Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul, a significant determine in Argentina’s midfield engine room. He’s joined by fellow midfielders Exequiel Palacios, Thiago Almada, Giovani Lo Celso, Alexis Mac Allister, and Leandro Paredes, every carrying a yellow card.
The hazard extends throughout the pitch. In protection, Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel are each strolling a disciplinary tightrope. And up entrance, Argentina’s attacking powerhouses Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez are additionally in danger. Which means virtually half of Argentina’s starting-quality choices may very well be unavailable for the journey to Quito, the place Ecuador’s altitude already poses a tough problem.
