Messi Confirms The 2022 World Cup Will Be His Last
Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine footballer, has recently expressed his belief that he is unlikely to participate in another FIFA World Cup. In a candid interview with Chinese media, Messi confirmed his doubts about featuring in the prestigious tournament again, despite leading his national team to victory in the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar.
When asked by China’s Titan Sports in a video interview if he would consider playing in the 2026 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in North America, Messi replied, “I have said several times before that I don’t think so, that that (2022) was my last World Cup.” Speaking in Spanish in the video published on the Kuaishou app, he further elaborated, “I will see how things go, but in theory, I don’t think I will be around for the next World Cup.”
At 35 years old, Messi’s decision is not entirely surprising. Earlier this year, in an interview with Argentinian newspaper Ole, he stated that it would be “very difficult” for him to compete in another World Cup. Considering that he will turn 39 during the next tournament, it is understandable that Messi is considering stepping away from international football’s grandest stage.
Currently, Messi finds himself in Beijing as part of the Argentina squad for a friendly match against Australia, which is scheduled to take place on Thursday. The match will be held at the impressive Workers’ Stadium, boasting a capacity of 68,000 spectators. Interestingly, this friendly clash is a rematch of the intense last-16 encounter between the two teams at the World Cup in Doha, where Argentina emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline.
Match Highlights
Despite Messi’s uncertain future in terms of World Cup participation, Chinese fans are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to witness the football icon in action. Tickets for the friendly match have been in high demand, with prices soaring up to 4,800 Yuan ($671). The immense popularity of Messi in China reflects his global appeal and the enormous impact he has had on the sport.
Recently, Messi made headlines once again with the announcement of his next career move. After concluding his two-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain, he revealed his decision to join Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami. This transfer has generated significant excitement among football enthusiasts in the United States, who eagerly await the opportunity to see Messi showcase his skills on American soil.
While Messi’s statement regarding his potential absence from future World Cups may disappoint fans worldwide, it is important to appreciate the extraordinary contributions he has made to the tournament throughout his career. As a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, Messi’s influence on the sport cannot be overstated. Regardless of his decision, his remarkable talent and unrivaled achievements on the field have cemented his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
As time progresses and Messi continues to captivate audiences with his exceptional performances, football fans around the world will anxiously await any updates regarding his future international endeavors. In the meantime, supporters in China and beyond will relish the opportunity to witness his brilliance in person as he takes the field for Argentina against Australia in Beijing.
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