Exploring ‘Lionel Messi Makes Retirement Statement After Argentina Beat France In World Cup Final’ Messi scored a brace but could not prevent the match at the Lusail Stadium from going to a penalty shootout. A Kylian Mbappe hat-trick pulled France back into the contest after Argentina twice thought they had done enough for victory.
Both Messi and Mbappe scored their penalties in the shootout but two of the latter’s teammates missed their efforts to give Argentina a memorable win. The win, in many people’s eyes, confirms the view that Messi is the greatest player of all time.
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But he does not intend to hang up his boots on the international stage just yet. The next Copa America takes place in June 2024 and the 35-year-old perhaps has his eyes on that tournament.
Lionel Messi Makes Retirement Statement After Argentina Beat France In World Cup Final
When asked about his future after beating France, Messi told reporters: “I will not retire. I want to continue playing as a champion.”
Messi has confirmed he will not play at another World Cup. He overtook Lothar Matthaus’ record for the most appearances at a men’s World Cup in Sunday’s final.
But in the lead-up to the match, he admitted he wouldn’t have anything left in the tank to return again in 2026. Asked if Qatar will be his final World Cup, Messi said: “Yes. Surely yes. There are a lot of years until the next one and I don’t think I have it in me and finishing like this is best.
“I’m enjoying everything a lot, I feel strong to be able to face each match. We’ve come along making a lot of big sacrifices.”
Messi was awarded the Golden Ball for being the player of the tournament. Emi Martinez won the Golden Glove and midfielder Enzo Fernandez the best young player.
Mbappe’s hat trick took his goal tally to eight, pipping Messi to the award. However, he was unable to lead his country to back-to-back World Cup trophies.
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