Lionel Messi says 2022 Qatar World Cup will be his last
Touted as one of the greatest footballers of all time, the Argentine great Lionel Messi has said that the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar will be his last.
Before we go any further, watch why he is called magical:
"This will be my last World Cup - for sure. The decision has been made," Messi said in a conversation with ESPN’s anchor Sebastián Vignolo.
"I'm counting down the days to the World Cup. There is anxiety and nerves at the same time. Wanting it to be now, what is going to happen, and ultimately, how is it going to go?", he added.
Club football: Currently, Messi is playing for French club Paris Saint-Germain in the Ligue 1, and he has no plans to quit club football anytime soon.
Argentina's form: With Messi leading the team, Argentina have done very well, in the build-up to the Qatar World Cup.
In fact, the team's recent 3-0 win over Jamaica saw La Albiceleste go unbeaten for 35 games in professional football. Messi, speaking to Vignolo, said that he is pretty confident of the team doing well in Qatar even though they are in a tough group.
And of course, the Twitter reaction followed:
— 🎥🏏⚽️🎾 🏀 #dubnation (@krishnait27) October 6, 2022
Me RN pic.twitter.com/4LzwSZp9t2
— Lionel Messi GIFS (@SweetAnki_) October 6, 2022
Lionel Messi. That’s it, that’s the tweet. pic.twitter.com/ZMcrklN17D
— 433 (@433) October 6, 2022
The goal world wanted....he scored.. He lifted the trophy in Qatar...... What a dream! pic.twitter.com/erupDG8BEl
— Mr. Genius Jega (@asimu_imam) October 6, 2022
Deja-vu 2016: In 2016, Messi announced his retirement from international football, but quickly reversed the decision.
Messi’s story:
- He made his international debut in 2007 and has since the played in 164 games for Argentina.
- He is yet to win the World Cup title, coming closest when his team reached the final in 2014. So, this World Cup, is the last hope for Messi’s fans to see him holding the cup.
Messi’s achievements: Take a look at the footballer’s profile and some of his major achievements: