Lionel Messi has confirmed that he will not be retiring from the Argentinian national squad after lifting the World Cup 2022 trophy on Sunday after a thrilling penalty shootout win against France.
Messi revealed that it has been his “childhood dream” to win the World Cup, thereby emulating Diego Maradona as he won the World Cup with Argentina in 1986. While he has achieved his ultimate goal, Messi admitted that he is still not ready to hang up his boots.
“I won the Copa America and the World Cup in a short time,” the Argentina captain stated. “I love what I do, being in the national team, and I want to continue living a few more games being world champion. I am going to take the Cup to Argentina to enjoy it with you.”
The final marked Messi’s 26th appearance in the World Cup; a new record for all-time appearances at the tournament. In addition, Messi is now Argentina’s all-time leading scorer at the World Cup, having taken his tally to 13 thanks to his two goals in the final.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni expressed his support for Messi’s decision, explaining that the Argentina captain is welcome to continue playing for the national team going forward.
