By Victor Kanayo
Argentine football star, Lionel Messi, has revealed that the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar will be the last quadrennial extravaganza he will take part in.
The 35-year-old superstar is widely regarded as one of the best ever to have played the game of football.
Having tasted greatness and glory during his time at Barcelona, Messi has not always had the same experience with Argentina’s La Albiceleste.
However, that ended last year when he led Argentina to the Copa America 2021 triumph, right before he left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain.
Having won the continental championship with his national team, Messi has his sights set on World Cup glory.
Confirming his stance, Messi said in an interview, “This will be my last World Cup — for sure. The decision has been made.”
Given that he is already 35 and would be 39 years of age when the next World Cup comes along, the decision was expected.
Whether he will continue playing for the Argentina national team beyond the tournament in Qatar remains to be seen.
So far, the former Barcelona captain has made 164 appearances for Argentina, scoring 90 goals in the process and is regarded as the greatest ever to represent the nation, along with Diego Maradona.
