As time flies, Lionel Messi has reached the threshold of two decades. His journey for Argentina began in 2005 with a World Cup qualifier (for the 2006 World Cup) against Peru. Today morning (5 September 2025), Bangladesh time, Messi will step onto the pitch for yet another World Cup qualifier. But calling it just another match doesn’t capture its significance.

This match against Venezuela is likely to be Messi’s final game on home soil. Over these two decades, Messi has won every possible title for Argentina. He holds the record for the most matches played (193), the most goals scored (112), the most hat-tricks (10), and the most assists (61). He led Argentina to become the first Latin American team after Spain to achieve an international treble (Copa América, World Cup, Copa América).

Beyond this, Messi is the most decorated footballer in history with 46 titles, the record holder for the most Ballon d’Or awards, and FIFA’s Best Men’s Player a record 8 times. His countless records in international and club football are staggering. The word “record” could simply be replaced with “Messi,” as his achievements are a treasure trove of unparalleled milestones.

Starting with a World Cup qualifier and now potentially ending with one, Messi is set to become the player with the most matches in Latin American World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela. He’s also the top scorer in these qualifiers (34 goals) and has scored against every Latin American team. From the 2010 World Cup qualifiers to 2026, Messi remains the leading goal-scorer. In the ongoing qualifiers, he has 6 goals, trailing Luis Díaz’s 7. If Messi scores one more goal than Díaz in the remaining two matches, he’ll claim the top spot once again. With such stakes, the eyes of millions of football fans worldwide are fixed on Messi’s monumental farewell at the Estadio Monumental. Messi himself has said his family will be present for this (likely) final home game. The Argentine Football Association has made special arrangements for the occasion. In the pre-match press conference, coach Lionel Scaloni was overcome with emotion, stirring the hearts of many. Naturally, nearly 100,000 spectators will pack the stadium to witness this moment, while countless fans worldwide will bear witness to the “One Last Dance of the Greatest Ever Footballer!”

Yet, Messi’s international career until the 2021 Copa América was a tale of near misses. Repeated final losses left him heartbroken. Despite winning title after title at the club level, the lack of a senior international trophy fueled his determination. At one point, overwhelmed by frustration, he even announced his retirement. But urged by fans, he returned and went on to win every possible title.

Messi is the epitome of resilience in football—a prince who never gave up. His career began like a fairy tale, faltered midway, and ended painted with every imaginable success. He is football’s fairy-tale hero. In the long history of the sport, no one will match Messi’s statistical dominance. In terms of success and elevating football to unparalleled heights, Messi stands alone—unique, extraordinary, and unbelievable.

But everything has an end. The time for farewell eventually arrives. Tomorrow’s match against Venezuela marks the beginning of Messi’s goodbye. This game on home soil will be his farewell to Argentina’s fans. Bit by bit, these small goodbyes will lead to his final departure. After the 2026 World Cup in the Americas, he will bid farewell to the national team. Then, with Inter Miami, he will say goodbye to club football. Thus, we will witness the departure of a rare star. We had hoped Messi would never retire, that he would keep playing forever. His footballing magic has enchanted us so deeply that we forgot he, too, must one day leave, and we must let him go. Tomorrow’s match will begin to set that reality in our minds. The melody of farewell has begun to play, and the end is not far off.

Bengali poet Jibanananda Das didn’t write these lines for Messi, but they fit him perfectly: *“This earth gets him only once…”*

A heartfelt farewell to The GOAT.

With gratitude, love, and salutations for everything.

• Masud Parvez Rupai: Author of Messi’s autobiography, ‘The Art of Football’