Argentina World Cup hero Lionel Messi has confirmed he will not retire from international duty after his country triumphed in an enthralling final against France.
Messi gave the South American's an early lead from the penalty spot before Angel Di Maria doubled the advantage as half time approached. France looked lost and a side that couldn't come back into the game until superstar forward Kylian Mbappe netted a quickfire double with just ten minutes left to play. That set up a tense period of extra time where Messi yet again notched home to put Argentina ahead then with two minutes of play remaining France were awarded another spot kick which Mbappe dispatched to send the clash to penalties. Lionel Scaloni's men held their nerve and came out 4-2 winners to lift the illustrious trophy for the first time since 1986.
It was widely thought Sunday's final would be the last time fans would get to experience the 35-year-old on the World stage but the forward has ruled out any talk of hanging up his boots for his national team and wants to be present in four years’ time when the USA, Canada and Mexico will play host. He told TyC Sports: "No, I’m not going to retire from the national team. I want to keep playing as World Cup champions with an Argentina shirt."
While head coach Scaloni admitted the number '10' jersey will always be there for Messi. He said: “Messi should have a place in the next World Cup, we want him to continue. If he wants to keep playing, the '10' will always be ready for Lionel."
Messi has been linked with a move to the MLS with David Beckham's Inter Miami. However, after his heroics with Argentina during the past month in Qatar, he may want one more crack at landing Champions League glory with PSG.
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