Lionel Messi to hang up boots from international football after World Cup 2022 final, last game on December 18

Lionel Messi has planned to retire from international soccer after the World Cup in Qatar and said this would be his final game on Sunday, 18 December.

AP
Lionel Messi plans to retire from international games, and the Argentinian captain says, "I feel very happy, to be able to achieve this, to finish my World Cup journey by playing my last game in a final". What a way to retire if he were to get the cup for Argentina.

Messi is already on his fifth World Cup, ahead of Maradona’s four appearances, and he has surpassed Bautista in the number of goals. Messi is currently the highest goal scorer for Argentina in FIFA World Cup with eleven goals. He reaffirmed his retirement plans immediately after his team beat Croatia in the semi-finals.

Messi and his team would now face France or Morocco in the finals, and whatever the result, the Argentine captain is happy to be able to be representing Argentina. Messi said he is not sure of the next World Cup, and he enjoyed his journey this time as his country has reached the finals.


Lionel Messi to retire: Records the GOAT broke along his journey
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Lionel Messi has confirmed that Sunday's World Cup final will be his last game for Argentina, thereby announcing his retirement.


Lionel Messi has confirmed that Sunday's World Cup final will be his last game for Argentina, thereby announcing his retirement.
Throughout his journey, the GOAT broke countless records, even during the ongoing World Cup. Here are the most significant ones.


Throughout his journey, the GOAT broke countless records, even during the ongoing World Cup. Here are the most significant ones.
Lionel Messi has on Wednesday became Argentina's top scorer in the World Cup with 11 goals, breaking Gabriel Batistuta's record.


Lionel Messi has on Wednesday became Argentina's top scorer in the World Cup with 11 goals, breaking Gabriel Batistuta's record.
Messi is also the oldest man ever to score as many as 5 goals for a country in a single World Cup.


Messi is also the oldest man ever to score as many as 5 goals for a country in a single World Cup.
He has the record of having the most Ballon d'Or awards at 7.


He has the record of having the most Ballon d'Or awards at 7.
Messi has equalled German footballer Matthaus' feat by recording his 25th appearance at the FIFA World Cup.


Messi has equalled German footballer Matthaus' feat by recording his 25th appearance at the FIFA World Cup.
Lionel Messi also holds the record for being the youngest Argentina player to score at a World Cup at 18 years 357 days age.


Lionel Messi also holds the record for being the youngest Argentina player to score at a World Cup at 18 years 357 days age.
The 35-year-old is the only footballer to win Ballon d’Or, FIFA World Player, Pichichi Trophy and Golden Boot in the same season.


The 35-year-old is the only footballer to win Ballon d’Or, FIFA World Player, Pichichi Trophy and Golden Boot in the same season.
Messi on Wednesday also became the only player to both score and assist in four separate matches in the World Cup.

Messi on Wednesday also became the only player to both score and assist in four separate matches in the World Cup.


Since 1986 Argentina has not won the World Cup, and Messi is glad that this time his side has a chance to do well and win the trophy.

Starting with a shocking loss against Saudi Arabia, Messi and his team have recovered to play so well and head to the finals. Messi also led his team to the 2014 World Cup finals but lost against Germany in extra time.
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Messi is already given the tag of “GOAT” or “greatest of all time,” but the maestro is humble to admit that getting the group objective is now his focus. He said his team is just one step away from holding the coveted cup in his hands and hopes he and his team can achieve that goal.

Messi is currently with Paris St Germain, the French club, and it is to be seen what his plans are for it. Messi has won a record seven Ballon d’Or, six European Golden Shoes, seven Copa del Rey titles with Barcelona, ten La Liga titles, and four UEFA Champions Leagues. The only thing missing is the FIFA World Cup, and this is the last chance for it in Qatar.

FAQs:

  1. What is Messi’s net worth?
    $620 million
  2. Which brand does Messi endorse?
    Adidas-German Sports brand.
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