Lionel Messi reveals he will NOT retire as Argentina captain drops hint he could defend World Cup in 2026 at age of 39
WORLD CUP winner Lionel Messi has confirmed that he will not be retiring from international football.
The star was instrumental in Argentina’s third World Cup win as they overcame France at the Lusail Stadium.
There had been suggestions that the 35-year-old would retire from international football after the final, but he has shot those rumours down.
He told TyC Sports after the game: “I am not retiring from the Argentina national team.
“I want to continue playing as a champion”.
Messi also revealed that he feels fulfilled after winning the last trophy to complete his cabinet.
He added: “We suffer, but we already have it (the World Cup).
“I wanted to close my career with this, I can no longer ask for anything else, thank God, he gave me everything.”
Messi netted twice in the scintillating game as it went all the way to penalties, with Gonzalo Montiel’s spot kick sealing the win.
Despite leading 2-0 in the game, Argentina were pegged back after a brace from Kylian Mbappe.
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The France star then cancelled out Messi’s extra-time goal with his second from the spot.
But it was meant to be Messi’s tournament, with the PSG ace also honoured with the Golden Ball for best player of the tournament.
Mbappe did pip him to the Golden Boot though as he netted eight goals in his seven games.
And after lifting the trophy Messi admitted how “lucky” he feels to have had such a glittering career.
He said: “I was lucky to have achieved everything in this career… and this one that was missing is here.
“It’s madness… look how she (the World Cup) is, she’s gorgeous.
“I wanted her so much. I had a vision that this would be the one… she was getting closer.”
Messi’s next international tournament will be the Copa America in 2024.
Argentina will be aiming to retain the trophy after winning the competition in 2021.
Manager Lionel Scaloni has also said that he would like to see Messi stay on playing for Argentina.
He said: “Messi should have a place in the next World Cup, we want him to continue.
“If he wants to keep playing, the ’10’ will always be ready for Lionel”.