His last match in Argentina? Messi and his preparation ahead of the final game before the World Cup
The Argentine star remains focused on facing Zambia amid uncertainty over whether he will start or come off the bench.
The farewell of Lionel Messi from the Argentine national team is currently enduring a curiously quiet moment. What was envisioned as a series of matches filled with raw emotion and grand tributes has instead been diluted by tactical doubts, institutional scandals, and an atmosphere far removed from the usual frenzy that surrounds the Albiceleste captain.
In the recent friendly against Mauritania, the impact of the "10" was almost non-existent. Aside from the fans' initial ovation, his participation on the pitch was nearly anonymous. Starting from the bench and entering in the second half, he failed to shift the momentum of a stagnant game.
A Secondary Role at a Critical Juncture
With a potential sixth World Cup on the horizon, Messi has seemingly opted for a low-profile role. Far from his usual protagonist status, the Rosario native has focused his energy on training with his usual discipline and supporting his teammates from the sidelines.
To make matters more complex, manager Lionel Scaloni deployed him in an unusual "false nine" position against Mauritania—a tactical decision Scaloni later clarified as a one-time experiment. This combination of a lack of collective rhythm and experimental positioning prevented Messi’s legendary influence from being felt on the scoreboard.
A Subdued Send-off
Despite his unparalleled history—all-time leading scorer, most appearances, and multiple major titles—his farewell tour hasn't gained the traction many anticipated. Reports suggest that Messi himself requested that grand tributes be omitted, prioritizing tactical preparation for the 2026 World Cup over personal accolades.
While the Argentine Football Association (AFA) considers his true "grand tribute" to have taken place in 2025 during his final official match on Argentine soil, the door remains open for a more prominent role in upcoming FIFA windows. However, much of that depends on how his body responds as the tournament nears.
Institutional Chaos Overshadowing the Pitch
The environment surrounding the team has been far from ideal. Persistent criticism of AFA president Claudio Tapia, coupled with legal issues involving the association's leadership, has created a tense backdrop for the squad.
This institutional noise, combined with the poor collective performance shown in the latest friendly, has shifted the media's focus toward internal politics and declining results rather than the celebration of their greatest icon's final matches.
The Big Question: Will He Play in 2026?
The ultimate uncertainty remains: will he actually take the pitch for the World Cup? Although it appears he will be included in the final squad list, Messi has yet to officially confirm his participation. At nearly 39 years old by the time the tournament kicks off, the player has admitted that the decision is physically and mentally taxing.
Scaloni has expressed a cautious optimism regarding Messi's presence, though he emphasized that the priority is for the player to enjoy the experience without feeling the weight of expectation.
"The most important thing is that Leo enjoys it. He doesn't have to prove anything else to anyone," Scaloni noted recently.
As Messi continues to train alongside close teammates like Leandro Paredes and Rodrigo De Paul, the hope remains alive. However, the current reality suggests that a historic milestone is losing its momentum, drifting away from the epic grandeur that a legacy of this magnitude deserves.
