Lionel Messi Retirement: Lionel Messi, the Argentine Superstar, confirmed on Thursday that the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar will be the last, as the La Albiceleste look to end their 36-year wait for football’s biggest prize.
“This will undoubtedly be my final World Cup,” Messi said in an interview with ESPN. “I’m counting the days until the World Cup begins. The truth is that there is some anxiety as if to say, ‘Well, we’re here, what’s going to happen?’ ‘This is my last one, how’s it going?’ On the one hand, I can’t wait for it to arrive, but I also want it to go well.”
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On the other hand, The upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar will be the 35-year-old legend’s fifth (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018), with six goals in 19 matches.
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
“We’re in a very good place, with a very strong group, but anything can happen at a World Cup,” he said. “All the matches are difficult, and that’s what makes a World Cup so special because the favorites aren’t always the ones who end up winning or even doing as well as you expect,” he added.
Lionel Messi: “My intention is that when I retire, I will be remembered for being a good person, not as a good player.” pic.twitter.com/XPDonc9Txj
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) October 6, 2022
Messi has six goals and five assists in 19 appearances at the World Cup.
The Barcelona legend came close to winning the trophy in 2014, but Germany’s Mario Gotze’s extra-time strike ended his hopes.
He’ll be hoping to finally add the elusive trophy to his illustrious cabinet, as it’s the only silverware he hasn’t won.
Argentina, the reigning South American champions, won the Copa America in 2021, defeating Brazil 1-0 in the final.
