Messi Sets World Record, to Miss Ecuador Clash

Lionel Messi, the Argentine superstar, has played what could be his final professional match on home soil during the last World Cup qualifier hosted in Argentina. On this special occasion, facing Venezuela, the legendary forward scored twice, sealing a 3–0 victory and etching his name in the record books.

In the early hours of Friday, at Buenos Aires’ iconic Estadio Monumental, Messi appeared with his family, balancing smiles and tears. He opened the scoring in the 39th minute and struck again in the 80th, ensuring Argentina’s emphatic win. Already Argentina’s all-time leading scorer, Messi reached his 114th international goal in his 194th appearance. More significantly, by taking the field, he became the player with the most World Cup qualifying appearances.

Breaking a Historic Record

Previously, Ecuador’s Iván Hurtado held the record with 71 qualifiers. According to Argentine outlet TyC Sports, Messi surpassed him by playing his 72nd qualifier, 45 of which were at home. Across these 72 matches, Argentina have recorded 40 wins, 20 draws, and 12 defeats. However, CONMEBOL later clarified that both Hurtado and Messi officially stand equal at 72 appearances each.

World Cup Qualifying Appearance Leaders

Argentina’s All-Time World Cup Qualifying Appearances

Messi to Miss Ecuador Match

Argentina, the first South American team to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup, still have one match remaining—away to Ecuador next Wednesday. However, head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that Messi will not feature: “I spoke with Leo. He decided to rest. He said, ‘I have just come back from injury. To be fully fit, I want to avoid the travel and next match. We are playing in the MLS now, that’s my focus. Hopefully, I’ll recover properly by then.’”

Messi admitted he has struggled physically in recent weeks: “Because of injury, I had to spend 15 days standing still—running less, losing my speed, not feeling normal. Important matches lie ahead. I hope to end the year well and start pre-season strongly.”

Scaloni added in the press conference: “He will not travel to Ecuador. He is exhausted. Honestly, I should have taken him off earlier, but his passion for the game kept him on. We had agreed he would play the full match, so he stayed. The pressure on him has increased. Now he deserves his rest, which he will spend with his family.”

Through his record-breaking 72nd World Cup qualifier and two goals, Messi once again demonstrated his lasting brilliance—while preparing to step back, at least temporarily, for recovery and rest.