Argentina star Lionel Messi confirms Qatar final will be his last World Cup game : The Tribune India

Join Whatsapp Channel

Argentina star Lionel Messi confirms Qatar final will be his last World Cup game

The 35-year-old is playing at his fifth World Cup, surpassing the four of Diego Maradona and Javier Mascherano

Argentina star Lionel Messi confirms Qatar final will be his last World Cup game

Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates their third goal scored by Julian Alvarez during a semi-final match against Croatia at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, on December 13, 2022. Reuters/TPX Images of the Day



Reuters

December 14

Lionel Messi has confirmed he will play his last World Cup game when Argentina take on France or Morocco in Sunday's final in Qatar.

Messi lead Argentina to a 3-0 win over Croatia in their semi-final on Tuesday and will earn his 172nd cap at the weekend when he tries to bring the country its first World Cup title since 1986.

"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 told Argentine media outlet Diario Deportivo Ole.

"It's many years for the next one and I don't think I'll be able to do it. And to finish like this, it's the best," added the Argentina captain.

The 35-year-old is playing at his fifth World Cup, surpassing the four of Diego Maradona and Javier Mascherano.

With his fifth goal in Qatar, he also surpassed Gabriel Batistuta as the top Albiceleste scorer at World Cups, netting 11 times.

"It's all well and good (the records), but the important thing is to be able to achieve the group objective, which is the most beautiful thing of all," Messi added. "We're just one step away, after fighting hard, and we're going to give everything to try to make it happen this time." Tuesday's victory prompted thousands of fans to take to the streets in Argentina to celebrate the national team's sixth World Cup final appearance.

France meet Morocco in the other semi-final later on Wednesday.


Top News

Israeli President Herzog seeks India’s help in release of hostages held captive by Hamas

PM Modi meets Israeli President, bats for early and durable resolution to Palestine issue

Isaac Herzog seeks India’s help in release of hostages held ...

Lok Sabha ethics panel’s report on Mahua Moitra’s expulsion to be tabled in House on Monday

Lok Sabha ethics panel’s report on Mahua Moitra’s expulsion to be tabled in House on Monday

TMC MP can be expelled only if the House votes in favour of ...

Israel-Hamas conflict: Israel resumes Gaza assault after 7-day truce expires

Israel-Hamas conflict: Israel resumes Gaza assault after 7-day truce expires

PM Netanyahu says Hamas did not release all women hostages a...

Centre defends MHA’s decision to extend BSF’s jurisdiction in Punjab to 50 km

Centre defends MHA's decision to extend BSF's jurisdiction in Punjab to 50 km

The decision amounts to creating a parallel jurisdiction, ta...

India proposes to host UN climate conference in 2028; launches Green Credit Initiative

PM Modi launches initiative focusing on generating green credits through plantation on degraded wasteland

Prime Minister says Green Credits Initiative surpasses comme...


Cities

View All