Lionel Messi’s actions will continue to captivate us for a few more years, as the Argentine legend has stated that he will not be retiring anytime soon. This comes just days after Messi declared that the World Cup in Qatar would be his final.
“No, I’m not going to retire from the Argentina national team. I want to continue playing as a champion,” he told reporters, shortly after defeating France to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
While announcing that the Qatar World Cup would be his final, Messi told Argentine media last week, “I feel very happy to be able to achieve this, to finish my World Cup journey by playing my last game in a final.”
“It’s many years for the next one and I don’t think I’ll be able to do it. And to finish like this, it’s the best,” he added.
So far, the 35-year-old has appeared in five World Cup tournaments. The first one took place in 2006. This year, Messi reportedly became the player with the most FIFA World Cup appearances in history. The PSG star has now appeared in 26 World Cup matches across five tournaments.
However, experts believe that he is currently in peak condition and has the potential to play for a few more years.
It’s up to Messi…: coach Lionel Scaloni
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni stated that it is up to Lionel Messi to decide if he wants to play in another World Cup. “If he wants to keep playing, he will be with us,” Scaloni said. “He is more than entitled to decide whether he wants to keep playing for Argentina or not or what he wants to do with his career.”
“He is such a huge player for us. It is such a pleasure for us to coach him and his teammates. Everything he transmits to his teammates is unparalleled — something I’ve never seen before.”
Argentina triumphed in an intensely fought final on Sunday, in what was Argentina’s talisman Lionel Messi’s final World Cup. Argentina won the final 4-2 on penalties after the game was tied at the end of the second half of extra time.
Lionel Messi received the Golden Ball, the award given to the best player in a FIFA World Cup, following a thrilling final at Lusail that saw the legendary striker’s World Cup dreams come true after a 4-2 win over France in penalties.
Messi, who was competing in his final FIFA World Cup this year, was in top form throughout the tournament. The 35-year-old legend did it all, scoring crucial goals, converting penalties, and assisting his teammates in scoring.
