Lionel Messi to play his final World Cup game on Sunday

• Lionel Messi confirmed after Argentina’s victory over Croatia that he will play his final World Cup game on Sunday. 
• The Argentine forward is hoping to finish this World Cup campaign by winning the trophy for the first time in his career. 

Lionel Messi confirmed after Argentina’s victory over Croatia that he will play his final World Cup game on Sunday. 

The 35-year-old was on the score sheet once again on Tuesday night as his side thrashed Croatia 3-0. He was named the best player for the significant win that saw Argentina progress to the finals.

Lionel Messi final World Cup. Photo/ Planet Football.

Speaking after the match, Lionel Messi said that he is proud to be able to finish his World Cup journey by playing in the finals. 

The Argentine forward is hoping to finish this World Cup campaign by winning the trophy for the first time in his career. 

“I am proud to be able to finish my World Cup journey playing this final. What I’m experiencing is exciting. Surely Sunday will be my last game in a World Cup. It will be many years before the next one (2026), and I don’t think I’ll be able to make it. So I hope I can finish in the best way.” Lionel Messi, as per Hindustan Times. 

Lionel Messi is playing in his fifth last World Cup, surpassing the four of Javier Mascherano and Diego Maradona. 

The Argentine’s last dance will continue until the music stops in Qatar on Sunday. Messi now stands just 90 minutes away from having a World Cup accolade attached to his name. 

Messi And Alvarez Fire Argentina To The Finals 

Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez were Argentina’s heroes on Tuesday night as they humbled Croatia 3-0 at Lusail Stadium. 

Lionel Messi scored a goal as Julian Alvarez found the back of the net twice. 

Messi looked to be struggling with a hamstring injury early into the game but could later recover to open the scoring for his side. 

He scored Argentina’s first goal from the penalty spot in the 34th minute after Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic fouled Julian Alvarez. 

Julian Alvarez then scored a brilliant solo goal five minutes later after receiving a pass from Lionel Messi. The 22-year-old made an amazing 50-metre run and took matters into his own hand to put Argentina on the double. 

Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi once again combined for Argentina’s third goal, which came in the 69th minute. 

Messi played around with Croatia’s Josko Gvardiol out wide before manoeuvring past him and providing the assist for Alvarez’s second goal of the night.

Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez. Photo/ The Hindu.

Croatia had control of the ball throughout the match but were not creative enough to go past Argentina’s solid defence. The European side registered just one shot on target. 

Argentina will play either France or Morocco on Sunday for the Qatar World Cup final. If Argentina wins the trophy, Lionel Messi will enjoy the mythical status that Diego Maradona enjoys in the South American country.