December 14, (THEWILL) – Lionel Messi, who helped to propel Argentina to the final match of the Qatar 2022 World Cup with an incredible performance in their 3-0 semi-final victory over Croatia, has announced that Sunday’s final will be his last World Cup game for the country.
The Albiceleste talisman had been hesitant to say whether or not this World Cup would be until the end of the match against Croatia. Now, the 35-year-old forward had admitted that he could not see himself playing at the 2026 tournament, which will be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
During his team’s last-four match, Messi was once again in top form, scoring the first goal from the penalty spot and setting up Julian Alvarez for the third with an outstanding assist. In his post-match comments, Messi said: “I am very happy for finishing my journey in World Cups in a final, to play the last game in a final. That is really very gratifying.
“Everything I lived in this World Cup has been emotional, seeing how much it has been enjoyed in Argentina. There are a lot of years from this year to the next one. I don’t think I will be able to do that. To finish this way is brilliant.”
Argentina, which lost to Saudi Arabia in their opening World Cup game, will play either France or Morocco on Sunday, and Messi says this time he wants it to “really happen”, especially after the pain of seeing Argentina lose the 2014 World Cup final.
“We are going to do our best, as we have done up until now, so that this time, it really happens – we really win it. I have been enjoying it the past few years, being with the national side. I am really enjoying everything that is happening to us.
“To get the Copa America, to reach the World Cup with 36 games unbeaten, and to finish all that trajectory in a final is just incredible. I hope the people in Argentina enjoy themselves and what we are doing. They shouldn’t doubt we are giving absolutely everything.”
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
