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Messi will not retire after World Cup 2022 victory

Lionel Messi will not retire after World Cup 2022 victory, according to the man himself.

Argentina’s skipper told TyC Sports in an interview after beating France in the 2022 final:

“No, I’m NOT gonna retire from the national team. I want to keep playing as a World Cup champion”.

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Prior to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Messi talked about plan to retire regardless the result. However, La Pulga seemed to have a change of heart.

He scored twice to help Argentina land the third star to their jerseys – this is also La Albiceleste’s first since 1986.

This was a tournament of his own, Messi won 5 MOTM awards for five outstanding performances, including a brace in the final against France at Lusail Stadium.

The 36-year-old made history with his second Golden Ball award for best player of the tournament, became the first to win twice (2014 and 2022).

Surprisingly, Messi is the only one from 2014 XI of the final against Germany to remain in the 2022 XI final against France. It shows how consistent La Pulga has been over the years, despite suffering from two final defeats after Brazil 2014.

Messi will be 38 by the time the next World Cup starts in 2026 — and will turn 39 during the tournament — but the forward has said he does not intend to immediately retire after the final.

So, next up would be Copa America defending campaign, and maybe another World Cup for Messi and Argentina?