Lionel Messi made a modest retirement indication about his future after winning the FIFA World Cup last year, which might surprise supporters.
Lionel Messi fulfilled his dream of winning the FIFA World Cup 2022 by winning the final last year in Qatar. With the triumph, the Argentine genius has now won every single competition for his country.
Argentina dominated France in the final, winning 4-2 on penalties after the match finished in a 3-3 deadlock. The CONMEBOL team seized the lead in the 23rd minute thanks to captain Messi, who scored a penalty after Angel Di Maria was fouled in the French box. Following that, in the 36th minute, Alexis MacAllister assisted Di Maria, who made it 2-0.
With Argentina cruising to a comfortable victory, Kylian Mbappe came to France’s aid and launched a comeback. Mbappe leveled the game in the 80th minute with a penalty after Kolo Muani was pulled down in the Argentine box. Mbappe then made it 2-2 with a spectacular strike in the 81st minute.
Messi made it 3-2 for Argentina in the 108th minute of extra time, scoring after some sloppy defending.
But Mbappe came to his team’s rescue again in the 118th minute, tying the game at 3-3. Argentina won 4-2 in a nail-biting penalty shootout, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez coming out on top to deny Aurelien Tchouameni and Kingsley Coman
.Messi spoke about the final and delivered a cryptic retirement hint a month after capturing the historic trophy. Messi told Buenos Aires-based UrbanaPlay, “It has finally come at the end of my career. A closing cycle to be honest. Finally, I have achieved everything with the national team. The World Cup was something I always dreamt of. I have achieved everything in my career now. It was about uniquely closing my career. I had never imagined that this will happen to me.”
“I have no complaints and I can’t ask for anything more. We won Copa America in 2021 and now the World Cup, for me there’s nothing left”, he again added.
Messi has won every imaginable title in professional football, including several UEFA Champions League trophies, in addition to winning everything with his nation (Copa America, Olympics, and World Cup). With his PSG contract set to end this summer, supporters will not be surprised if the former Barcelona star decides to retire.