In a surprise statement that shocked his fans, Lionel Messi confirmed that he will play his last World Cup match when Argentina faces the winner from France or Morocco in the final next Sunday in Qatar.
Messi explained to the Argentine newspaper Diario Deportivo Ole: “I am very happy because I was able to achieve this and complete my World Cup journey by playing my last match in the final.” The Argentina captain also added: “Many years have passed and I don’t think I can do it. Ending my World Cup career this way is the best for me.” He also continued: “Everything is good and the records are good, but it is important to be able to reach the goal of the team, which is the most beautiful thing in the world. We are one step away from a hard fight, and we will do our best. try to win the title this time.”
It is noteworthy that the 35-year-old footballer participated in the World Cup for the fifth time, overtaking each other Diego Maradona and Javier Mascherano four times. With his fifth goal in Qatar, he also overtook Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina’s top scorer in the World Cup final with 11 goals.
Messi led Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Croatia in the semi-finals last night and he will play his 172nd international match in an attempt to win his country’s first world title since 1986. Yesterday’s win also prompted thousands of fans to take to the streets of Argentina to celebrate the national team’s progress to the World Cup final for the sixth time in its history. France are due to face Morocco in another semi-final later on Wednesday.
