- Messi inspires his team to win a World Cup Final
- Argentina went to penalties to beat France 4-2
- Messi looks to continue playing for his International Team.
Lionel Messi, 35, appears eager to take advantage of the opportunity to represent Argentina as a world champion, something he has never done before in his lengthy and illustrious career. Messi denied rumours that he was planning to retire after Argentina won the World Cup on Sunday, December 18, in Qatar. He said he would continue to play for Argentina at least “a few more” times.
In one of the most exciting World Cup finals, Argentina defeated France 4-2 on penalties, with Messi scoring twice and converting Argentina’s first penalty shot. Messi finally completed his envied trophy collection by winning the FIFA World Cup on his fifth attempt.
Argentina celebrates winning against France.|PHOTO: FIFA|
Not Retiring
“No, I’m not going to retire from the Argentina national team,” he told TyC Sports. “I want to continue playing as a champion.”
According to Messi, who was quoted by the news agency Reuters, “I wanted to close my career with this; it was the one that was missing, so I can no longer ask for anything else.”
“I was successful in winning the Copa America, and now I’ve won the World Cup that I worked so hard for. At the tail end of my career, I have it. However, I adore football and desire to live for a few more years games being world champion.”
Messi won the Golden Ball as the World Cup’s best player for the second time, making him the only man to do so. He received the award in 2014 after Argentina finished second in the final against Germany.
Messi led the way for Argentina in their first World Cup victory since 1986 in Qatar, scoring 7 goals and contributing 4 assists.
Messi celebrates scoring in the World Cup Final.|PHOTO: FIFA|
Early Retirement
Following Argentina’s loss to Chile in the Copa America final in 2016, Messi announced his retirement from international football. He mustered the courage to join the Argentina national team again.
Despite the fact that Messi’s World Cup 2018 campaign ended in the Round of 16, his perseverance paid off when he led Argentina to the Copa America championship in 2021.
Argentina’s World Cup hopes in Qatar were dealt a serious setback when Saudi Arabia shocked them in their opening game. However, Argentina and Messi made a strong comeback and kept improving throughout the competition.
“It’s Crazy”
Lionel’s Penalty Goal as Argentina went ahead in the First Half.||PHOTO: FIFA
Messi expressed his belief that the triumph was predestined as he reflected on the thrilling final and the win.
“It’s just crazy that it has come about in this manner”, said Messi.
“I was so desperate for this. I had faith that God would give me this gift. I sensed that this World Cup was going to be it.”
Messi expressed his desire to return to Argentina and participate in the festivities. At the Lusail Stadium following the World Cup victory, Messi was taking in the breathtaking atmosphere created by at least 40,000 travelling Albiceleste supporters.
After winning the Golden Ball, Messi kissed the World Cup trophy. Ten minutes later, he got his hands on the trophy, lifted it, and joined his teammates and family in celebrating their victory.
“I can’t wait to be in Argentina to witness the insanity of this.”
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