Lionel Messi has said the World Cup in Qatar will be his last.
The 35-year-old will now have one last chance to get his hands on football’s ultimate prize in the Gulf state in November.
Messi will captain his country in what will be his fifth – and final – appearance at a World Cup.
“It will be my last World Cup, that’s for sure. The decision has been made,” he told Argentinian journalist Sebastian Vignolo.
Messi’s World Cup record stands at six goals and five assists in 19 appearances.
The Barcelona legend nearly got his hands on the trophy in 2014, only for Germany’s Mario Gotze to strike in extra time to end his dream.
He hopes to finally add the elusive trophy to his illustrious cabinet, given that it’s the only piece of silverware he has yet to win.
Argentina, defending South American champions, won the Copa America in 2021, beating Brazil 1-0 in the final.
Messi’s record for his country stands at 90 goals in 164 games, making him the third all-time top scorer in men’s international football behind Cristiano Ronaldo (117) and Iran’s Ali Daei (109).
He is expected to make a final decision on his club’s future after the tournament with the player keen to return to Barcelona.
PSG, however, want to tie him down to a new contract, with his contract ending this summer.
Messi will play his first match at the Qatar World Cup when Argentina take on Saudi Arabia in their opener on November 22. Argentina will also face Mexico and Poland in their group.
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