Lionel Messi has announced that he will not retire from playing for Argentina after lifting the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The 35-year-old lead Argentina to their third World Cup title after 1978 and 1986, scoring a brace in the final.
However, the match had to go into penalties after Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick almost broke Argentina’s hearts.
In the end, though, the Albiceleste players kept their cool and converted their spot-kicks, while Emiliano Martinez saved Kingsley Coman’s attempt and Aurelian Tchouameni put his attempt wide.
Messi had said before the final that it would be his final World Cup match, but he insisted after the game that he will not retire from international duty.
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“I’m not retiring from Argentina national team. I want to continue playing as a champion,” he told TyC Sports, as per Roy Nemer.
Messi added that he felt confident despite suffering several setbacks throughout the game.
“It’s crazy that it happened this way. I wanted it very much. I knew that God was going to give it to me. Now to enjoy it,” he continued.
“Look at this cup, it’s beautiful. We suffered a lot but we made it. We can’t wait to be in Argentina and to see how crazy it’s going to be.
“This was the trophy I have wanted all of my life. This was my dream since childhood.”
