The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar will be the last time we see Argentina’s superstar forward Lionel Messi on the biggest international stage. In a recent chat with ESPN, Messi admitted that the upcoming tournament would be his final one.
While speaking about the World Cup with ESPN, Messi said that he and his teammates are a bit nervous about the competition but “can’t wait to play.”
“I am counting down the days until the World Cup, the truth is yes, there is a bit of nerves because we can’t wait to play,” Messi explained. “On the other hand, there is always a certain tension ahead of the tournament.”
Messi was asked whether this would be his final appearance in World Cups, and he gave an answer that made many soccer fans sad.
“Yes, it will be,” Messi shared.
It isn’t surprising that Lionel Messi, who currently stars for Ligue 1 powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain, isn’t thinking past the 2022 World Cup. He turned 35 in June and will be 39 once the next tournament starts. And despite still playing at a high level, Messi never expressed a wish to prolong his career for that long.
Lionel Messi made his World Cup debut with Argentina at the 2006 tournament in Germany. His biggest success with the national team was a silver medal in Brazil in 2014 when Argentina lost 1-0 to Germany in extra time.
