Lionel Messi has declared that the FIFA World Cup final on Sunday at Lusail Stadium will be his final-ever match.
On Tuesday night, Messi’s Argentina defeated Croatia 3-0 to secure their berth in the championship match. Messi’s penalty kick and a brace from strike partner Julian Alvarez made the difference between the two teams.
The PSG star broke the record for most goals scored in a World Cup when he scored his 11th goal in the semifinal. Messi also tied German icon Lothar Matthaus for the joint-most appearances in the history of the event with 25 games played.
Messi said in an interview with Diario Deportivo Ole that the Sunday final will be his 26th and final World Cup match, saying:
“I feel very thrilled to be able to achieve this, to complete my World Cup trip by playing my last game in a final.”
“The next one is many years away, and I doubt I’ll be able to complete it. And this is the best way to end “said the captain of Argentina.
The 35-year-old is participating in his fifth World Cup, surpassing Javier Mascherano and Diego Maradona’s four.
He also eclipsed Gabriel Batistuta, who had 11 goals for the Albiceleste at World Cups, with his fifth goal in Qatar.
The ability to accomplish the group goal, which is the most beautiful thing of all, is more important than keeping good records, Messi continued. After a lot of effort, we’re only one step away, and we’ll do everything we can to make it happen this time.
In the grand finals, Argentina and Messi will compete against either France or Morocco.
The Major Image of World Cup:
Messi continued by saying that after 36 years of suffering, Argentina will do whatever it takes to win the highly-coveted title. We will use all of our effort, just as we have in the past, to ensure that this time we truly succeed. I have been enjoying my time with the national team for the past few years. Everything that is occurring to us is incredibly exciting to me.
It is just amazing to win the Copa America, go to the World Cup with 36 straight victories, and then cap off that run in the championship game. I wish the Argentineans a good time and that they enjoy what we are doing. They shouldn’t question our commitment to giving our all.
WHAT WILL MESSI DO NEXT?
As Argentina waits to find out who they will play in the final on December 18, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will be watching Wednesday’s second semi-final between Morocco and France.
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