‘I’m happy to finish my World Cup journey in the final’: Messi
Argentina skipper Lionel Messi has confirmed that the 2022 Qatar final on Sunday will be his last FIFA World Cup appearance.
This comes after his country thrashed the 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia 3-0 in the semifinals on Tuesday night at Lusail Stadium, thanks to Julian Alvarez’s brace and a goal from the man of the moment himself [Messi].
The 35-year-old forward became Argentina’s all-time leading World Cup goalscorer with 11 goals.
This is Messi’s fifth World Cup participation and the superstar has never lifted the prestigious global showpiece trophy.
MESSI SPEAKS…
“I am very happy to finishing my journey in the World Cup in a final,” said Messi as quoted by BBC Sport.
“To play the last game in a final. That is really very gratifying. Everything I lived during this World Cup has been emotional.
“And 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 again. To finish this way is brilliant.”
The ex-Barcelona star player made his international debut for Argentina back in 2005 at the age of 18.
He has managed to find the back of the net on 97 occasions from 172 matches.
Argentina will face either France or Morocco in finals where the PSG man is expected to make a history when he will be playing his 26th appearance in a men’s World Cup.
GOING ALL OUT FOR THE FINAL…
Shifting focus to the Sunday’s final game, Messi said: “We are going to do our best, as we have done up until now.
“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.”
The next World Cup is scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026.
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