News Desk
ISLAMABAD/LUSAIL: Argentinian Captain Lionel Messi, who took his country to the World Cup final, has confirmed that he will be playing his last World Cup.
Argentina will take on either France or Morocco in the World Cup final in Qatar.
Messi led Argentina, which won over Croatia 3-0 in their semifinal match, will earn his 172nd cap when he attempts to bring his country its first World Cup title since 1986.
Lionel Messi finishes World Cup journey
Talking to Argentinian sports outlet Diario Deportivo Ole, Messi said that he felt very happy to be able to achieve the victory against Croatia to finish his World Cup journey by playing his last game in a decisive final.
Lionel Messi told the outlet that he did not think he would be able to play in the World Cup again and it was the best of his matches.
The 35-year-old Argentina captain, who is playing his fifth World Cup, surpasses the four of former Argentinian stars, including Diego Maradona and Javier Mascherano.
With his fifth goal in this World Cup in Qatar, Messi also surpassed Gabriel Batistuta as the top Albiceleste scorer in any World Cup, netting 11 goals.
Lionel Messi said that it was all well and good, but the most important thing was for him to achieve the group objective, which was the most beautiful thing of all.
“We are just one step away from clinching the cup after fighting hard, and we are going to give everything to try to make it happen this time around,” he said.
At the same time, Messi also hailed Argentina’s coaching staff for planning his team’s 3-0 victory over Croatia in their semifinal on Wednesday.
Messi, who scored from the penalty spot, also assisted Julian Alvarez in the second goal as Argentina booked a berth in Sunday’s final against either defending champions France or first-timer Morocco.
He said his group was very intelligent and knew how to go with and without the ball because their coaching staff was great, as they paid attention to every little thing.
