Lionel Messi says FIFA World Cup final will be his final contest for Argentina.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup championship game will mark Lionel Messi’s final contest for Argentina, he has declared.
Argentina overcame Croatia 3-0 in the first semi-final on Wednesday thanks to a penalty kick from Lionel Messi, who also assisted in the third score.
Gabriel Batistuta (10) was surpassed by Messi (5 goals) to become Argentina’s all-time greatest scorer in World Cups. The 35-year-old has 11 World Cup goals to his name so far.
“I feel very happy to be able to achieve this, to finish my World Cup journey by playing my last game in a final,” Messi reportedly told Argentine media outlet Diario Deportivo Ole.
“It’s many years until the next one, and I don’t think I’ll be able to do it. And to finish like this, it’s the best,” he added.
After the semi-final win over Croatia, Messi urged his teammates to “enjoy” the occasion.
“Argentina is, once again, in the World Cup final. Enjoy it!” said Messi.
“We’ve been through tough situations and other very good ones. Today we’re experiencing something spectacular.”
Argentina arrived in Qatar as one of the tournament favourites, but doubts crept in after they lost their opening group game 1-2 against outsiders Saudi Arabia. They were unbeaten in 36 matches before arriving in Doha.
The two-time champions will now take on either Morocco or holders France in the final, which will be played at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday.
