Argentine great Messi confirms Qatar final will be his last World Cup game
Lionel Messi celebrates after defeating Croatia 3-0 in the Qatar 2022 World Cup. AFP
Argentine great Lionel Messi has confirmed that his World Cup match against France or Morocco on Sunday will be his very last in Qatar.
Messi led Argentina to a 3- 0 win over Croatia on Tuesday and will earn his 172nd cap on the weekend while he attempts to bring his first World Cup since 1986.
"I feel very happy, in an effort to obtain this, to complete my World Cup journey by playing my last game in a final," Messi told Argentine media.
"It's a few years for the next one and I do not think I'll be capable of doing it. And to compete like this, it is the best," said the Argentina captain.
The 35-year-old is playing at his 5th World Cup, surpassing the 4 of Diego Maradona and Javier Mascherano.
With his 5th goal in Qatar, he surpassed Gabriel Batistuta as the top Albiceleste scorer at World Cups, netting eleven times.
"It's all proper and good (the records), however the critical aspect is which will acquire the organization objective, that's the most stunning aspect of all," Messi added.
"We're simply one step away, after fighting hard, and we are going to give everything to make it happen this time.
Tuesday's victory prompted thousands of football lovers to take to the streets in Argentina to rejoice the country’s 6th World Cup final appearance.
France is playing Morocco on Wednesday. The winner will play Argentina on Sunday.
