Will Messi Be Fit to Play His ‘Final’ Home Match?

During Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup clash against Necaxa, Lionel Messi was forced off the pitch with an injury just 12 minutes into the game. Since then, concerns have been mounting—how long will he be out, and more significantly, will he be fit enough to play what could be his final competitive match on Argentine soil for the national team?

Injury Update and Club Statement

Initial reports from international media painted a bleak picture, suggesting that Messi could be sidelined for an extended period and may not return for the remainder of the Leagues Cup. However, Inter Miami offered some relief with an official statement revealing that the injury was a minor muscle strain in Messi’s right leg.

“Messi’s return to the field will depend on the progress of his treatment and how well his body responds to it,”
— Inter Miami, in a press release.

No exact timeline was provided for his recovery, leaving fans in a state of anxious speculation.

Upcoming International Fixtures

The urgency around Messi’s recovery is amplified by Argentina’s upcoming fixtures in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers:

The match on 5 September in Buenos Aires is particularly significant—it could be Messi’s last competitive match on home soil for Argentina.

Retirement Speculation and Final Opportunities

The Argentine sports magazine El Gráfico has already raised the pressing question:

“If Messi does not recover in time, will he miss what could be his final competitive appearance on home ground?”

This concern stems from a broader assumption—Messi, now 38, is widely expected to retire from international football after the 2026 World Cup. If that holds true, the 5 September match might be his farewell appearance before the home crowd.

Following this match, Argentina’s notable fixture will be in March next year, the Finalissima against Spain, with Mexico City floated as the likely venue.

After that, there will be only the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico—none of which will bring Messi back to play in Argentina.

The Emotional Weight of 5 September

If the retirement timeline holds, then 5 September 2025 could be the last opportunity for Argentine fans to watch Lionel Messi play a competitive international match on home soil.

This raises the stakes dramatically—not just for team performance, but for a generation of supporters who may be witnessing the end of an era in Buenos Aires.