While training with the Argentina national team for the 2026 World Cup South American qualifiers, Messi and his family attended a performance of "Rocky" starring his longtime friend, Nicolas Vazquez.
 |
Lionel Messi (right) speaks alongside actor Nicolas Vazquez on stage at the Lola Membrives theater in Buenos Aires on 2/9. Photo: Reproducao |
Lionel Messi (right) speaks alongside actor Nicolas Vazquez on stage at the Lola Membrives theater in Buenos Aires on 2/9. Photo: Reproducao
After the performance, the 38-year-old forward was invited on stage to greet the audience with the cast, sparking a roar of applause.
"I promised Vazquez I'd come see him, and luckily this time I was able to bring my whole family," Messi said on stage. "They aren't always in Buenos Aires because they usually live in Rosario. This is a wonderful evening. Being with my friend and witnessing this performance means a lot to me. Thank you all."
Messi is currently with the Argentina national team for their final two 2026 World Cup South American qualifiers, hosting Venezuela on 5/9 and visiting Ecuador on 10/9. The match against Venezuela might be the last time fans see the 38-year-old play at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires.
After these qualifiers, he will play two friendlies in South Korea and Japan in November, a friendly in Singapore, and the Intercontinental Super Cup against Spain at an undetermined location in Europe in 3/2025. In 6/2026, Argentina will participate in the World Cup in Canada, the US, and Mexico. After this tournament, Messi is likely to retire from international football.
When asked about this, Messi said, "It will be a very special match because it's the last qualifier. I don't know if there will be a friendly after this or more matches, but this will be very special. That's why my family will be there."
 |
Lionel Messi and coach Lionel Scaloni during Argentina's training session in Buenos Aires on 3/9. Photo: AFA |
Lionel Messi and coach Lionel Scaloni during Argentina's training session in Buenos Aires on 3/9. Photo: AFA
In a press conference before the Venezuela match, coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed Messi would start, expressing his feelings about the prospect of this being the superstar's final qualifying match in Argentina. "Tomorrow will be an emotional match. If it truly is Messi's last qualifier at home, it will be a special moment," he said. "I was his teammate, passed him the ball, and then witnessed him lift the World Cup; it's an amazing experience. Over time, people will appreciate it even more."
Scaloni affirmed that Messi would still have opportunities to play at home for Argentina. "Maybe tomorrow isn't the last match because we'll find a way for Messi to have more opportunities to play in his homeland," the 47-year-old coach stated. "When he steps onto the training ground, he brings something you don't see in anyone else. Coaching Messi is a privilege. We should enjoy it while he's still playing."
Hong Duy (ESPN)
