Argentina star Lionel Messi has admitted that the World Cup final in Qatar will “surely” be his last appearance at the tournament as he aims to go out in a blaze of glory.
The South American side booked their place in the final with a straight-forward 3-0 success against Croatia. Paris Saint-Germain forward Messi turned in a stunning performance, giving his country the lead from the penalty spot before teeing up Julian Alvarez for his second goal following a spell-blinding run.
The 35-year-old has the opportunity to finally add a World Cup to his glittering trophy cabinet after being on the losing side to Germany in the 2014 edition in Brazil. Ahead of Sunday’s match, Messi hailed the opportunity to take to the pitch in the showpiece once more - but admitted that he would never play at a World Cup again once the final whistle goes.
As quoted by Argentine newspaper Ole, he said: “[I am] Very happy to be able to achieve this. Ending my World Cup journey by playing my last match in a final. Everything I experienced in this World Cup is something very exciting, what people experienced, how people in Argentina are enjoying it.”
With Messi set to be 39 by the time the next tournament rolls around, he was asked by reporters whether the upcoming final will be his last appearance for Argentina at a World Cup. He clarified: “Yes, surely yes. There are many years for the next one and I don't think it will give me. And ending like this is the best.”
Has Messi been the best player at the World Cup in Qatar? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Messi has been in sensational form for Argentina in Qatar. His strike against Croatia saw him draw level with Kylian Mbappe at the top of the goalscoring charts for the tournament on five, although he has played one game more than the France forward. He also overtook Albiceleste legend Gabriel Batistuta for the most World Cup goals for Argentina.
The former Barcelona star has also teed up his teammates on three occasions during the tournament but refused to be drawn on whether it was his standout World Cup. He also reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring Argentina took the trophy home to South America for the first time since 1986.
He continued: "I don't know if it's my best World Cup, I've been enjoying this very much for a while, since we arrived. We had to start losing [against Saudi Arabia], we know what we are and what this group can give.
"Argentina is once again in a World Cup final and we have to enjoy it, we're going to give our best in the final, give up everything to try to win it.
"We knew we could do it, we did not lie at any time, we were not the top candidate but we were not going to give anything away. Coming out of a very difficult one [game], we were very confident, it can happen or not, for small details change a game. This group was clear about it, beyond the fact that we had to start losing."
Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final in Qatar, with the latter pair set to contest their semi-final at Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday night.
