Emotional Moment As Messi Confirms Qatar Final Will Be His Last World Cup Game

After playing a key role in Argentina’s semi-final victory over Croatia, Lionel Messi announced that the Qatar 2022 championship game will be his final World Cup match for the team.

The 35-year-old started the scoring for Argentina from the penalty spot against Croatia and gave Julian Alvarez an assist for one of his two goals as they easily defeated Croatia 3-0. After finishing as the runner-up in the 2014 World Cup final, Messi can now look forward to his second appearance.

The superstar of Paris Saint-Germain has been linked to a possible retirement from Argentina duty following the championship game, and he has stated that it would, at the very least, be his final outing in World Cup action.

IN THREE PICTURES: 

“I am very happy for finishing my journey in World Cups in a final, to play the last game in a final. That is really very gratifying,” Messi told reporters after the game.

READ ALSO:  Messi Leads Argentina To The 2022 World Cup Final With New Record

“Everything that I lived in this World Cup has been emotional, seeing how much it has been enjoyed in Argentina. There are a lot of years from this year to the next one. I don’t think I will be able to do that. To finish this way is brilliant.”

Messi continued by saying that after 36 years of suffering, Argentina will do whatever it takes to win the highly-coveted title.

He said, “We are going to do our best, as we have done up until now so that this time it really happens – we really win it.

”I have been enjoying it the last few years being with the national side. I am really enjoying everything that is happening to us. To get the Copa America, to reach the World Cup with 36 games unbeaten, and to finish all that trajectory in a final is just incredible. I hope the people in Argentina enjoy themselves and what we are doing. They shouldn’t doubt we are giving absolutely everything.”

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.

Pictorial: Scenes In Buenos Aires 🇦🇷🎉