Soccer-Messi's final World Cup qualifier grabs the spotlight


Soccer Football - World Cup - CONMEBOL Qualifiers - Argentina Training - Lionel Andres Messi Training Ground, Buenos Aires, Argentina - September 2, 2025 Argentina's Lionel Messi during training REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian

(Reuters) -Lionel Messi is set to play his final World Cup qualifier in Argentina on Thursday, while four 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 Monumental Stadium 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.

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