Argentina captain Lionel Messi declared that the last year’s World Cup would, “in principle,” mark his fifth and final appearance at the pinnacle global football event.

The 35-year-old forward led his country to a third World Cup triumph in Qatar last December, saying throughout the tournament that he would not be playing at another edition.

No More World Cup Appearances

However, Messi was persuaded out of international retirement in 2016, and many of his compatriots were hoping he might be cajoled into going on to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“I think not. This was my last World Cup,” Messi told Titan Sports ahead of Argentina’s friendly against Australia in Beijing.

Tribute to Pep Guardiola

The seven-times Ballon d’Or winner, who recently announced a move from Paris Saint-Germain to Inter Miami in the United States, also paid tribute to his former coach at Barcelona, Pep Guardiola.

Messi and Guardiola won two Champions League titles together at the Catalan club and Messi was delighted the Spaniard had finally clinched club football’s biggest prize with Manchester City last weekend.

“I talk a lot with Pep as we still maintain frequent contact. I am very happy about his achievement, winning the recent UEFA Champions League,” Messi told the Chinese sports paper in an interview.

Argentina’s Friendly Against Australia

Argentina played the Socceroos at the newly rebuilt Workers Stadium in the Chinese capital on Thursday.