Dhaka, Aug. 30 -- Lionel Messi has given his strongest hint yet that he will bid farewell to international football at next year's FIFA World Cup.

Argentina, already assured of a place at the 2026 finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada, will host Venezuela on Sept 4 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires before completing qualifying away to Ecuador on Sept 9.

"It (the Venezuela clash) is going to be a very, very special match for me because it's the last qualifying match," the 38-year-old forward told reporters after leading Inter Miami into the Leagues Cup final.

"I don't know if there will be friendlies or more matches (after Venezuela), but it is a very special match, so my wife, my children, my parents, my siblings will ...