Scaloni aiming to enjoy Messi's last Argentina match at home

Lionel Scaloni is hopeful that Lionel Messi will not be playing his final home match for Argentina when they face Venezuela on Thursday.

Messi has not yet announced any plans to retire; however, he did confirm last week that he expects the match against Venezuela to be the last World Cup qualifier he plays at home.

Argentina have already qualified for next year's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with Messi widely expected to finish his international career following the tournament.

The Albiceleste are chasing a fourth consecutive major title, having won the last two editions of the Copa America on either side of their 2022 World Cup triumph.

But asked about the prospect of Messi potentially playing in Buenos Aires for the last time on Thursday, Scaloni said it was an honour to be able to coach him.

"Yes, this is a match which Leo has said will be emotional, special, nice because it's true that it's our last qualifying match," an emotional Scaloni told the media. "We have to enjoy it as we've always been saying.

"More than anyone, I will enjoy it. Having been able to coach him has honestly been a pleasure, and let's hope that fans who go to the stadium will also enjoy it because he truly deserves it.

"It will be a nice match. Exciting. I'm sure that it won't be his last game in Argentina, and I say that we'll make sure that if he decides it's the last game, we play another because it's obvious to do that in the right moment and because he deserves it."

Unlike Argentina, Venezuela are still fighting for a place in the World Cup for what would be the first time in their history.

They currently sit seventh in the table, which would see them progress to the inter-confederation playoffs next March, but they are only four points behind Colombia in sixth.

Though they have nothing on the line, Scaloni is preparing his players for a tough test.

"It's an uncomfortable, difficult opponent who, with Bocha [Fernando Batista], have achieved some very good results and are on the verge of playing, or have the possibility of playing, in a World Cup," Scaloni said.

"And that could be something historic for them. So, we appreciate that.

"We've shared moments with him, and they will be a tough opponent, where a lot is at stake in the match. And that makes the game exciting to watch and, as always, we will try to win by playing our way."

After hosting Venezuela, Argentina will travel to Ecuador for their final qualifier on Tuesday.