Lionel Messi Reveals Time For His Last International Football

Argentine Superstar, Lionel Messi has announced that 2022 will be his LAST World Cup.

Messi’s record in the World Cup stands at six goals and five assists from 19 appearances.

Paris Saint-Germain previously suffered heartbreak in 2014 final when an extra-time strike from Germany’s Mario Gotze ended his World Cup dream.

“This will be my last World Cup — for sure. The decision has been made,” the 35-year-old was quoted as saying.

Leo Messi announces: “This will be my last World Cup — for sure. The decision has been made”, tells @PolloVignolo. 🚨🇦🇷 #Argentina

Important to clarify again that Messi will not decide his future between PSG and Barça now or in the next weeks; it will be in 2023. pic.twitter.com/W54EDZIpfm

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 6, 2022
“I’m counting down the days until the World Cup. “The truth is, there’s a little anxiety, saying: ‘Well, we’re here, what’s going to happen? It’s my last one, how’s it going to go?’. On one hand, I can’t wait for it to arrive but I’m also desperate for it to go well,” he added.

“We’re at a very good moment, with a very strong group, but anything can happen at a World Cup. All the matches are difficult, that is what makes a World Cup so special because the favourites are not always the ones who end up winning or even doing as well as you expect.

“I don’t know if we are the favourites, but Argentina in itself is always a candidate for history, for what it means. We are not the favourites, I think there are other teams that are above us.”

The former Barcelona forward is set to play in his fifth World Cup in Qatar – he has scored six goals in the previous four editions of the tournament.

In 2014, the PSG star came close to clinching the crown as he led Argentina to the final where they were beaten 1-0 by Germany after extra time.

Messi will, however, have his eyes set on bowing out on a high by winning the World Cup in Qatar when the tournament begins in November.

Though his club’s future is still under speculation, the Argentine is expected to make a final call on it after the World Cup.

The World Cup remains the one elusive trophy from Messi’s illustrious cabinet.

Messi and Argentina will enter this tournament as the reigning champions of South America, having won the Copa America against Brazil last year.

At club level, Messi’s future beyond next summer remains clouded in mystery with reports suggesting he is close to sealing a Barcelona return from Paris Saint-Germain.

However, after a slow season last year Messi looks to be back to his best with an incredible eight goals and eight assists already this season.