Argentina's Lionel Messi says 'a lot will change' after Qatar World Cup 2022
Argentinians may have to hang up their boots after the World Cup in Qatar, as Lionel Messi has hinted he may retire from international duty.
The 34-year-old showed why he is among the best in the game by scoring for his team, as his side defeated Venezuela 3-0 in a World Cup qualifier on Friday.
Following Angel Di Maria’s cross, Lionel Messi took the ball on his chest and slid it past goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez for Argentina’s third goal of the match.
Lionel Scaloni suggested before the game that the match could be the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s final match before he retires in his homeland.
According to Scaloni, “On Thursday, he will have the opportunity to play in his own country, with his people.”
We could have probably played this last match here (before the World Cup), and that would have been the best way for him to say goodbye to the country and wish him a great future.”
Lionel Messi himself added to speculations after the game, stating that he will consider his future as an international footballer following the World Cup, which is about to happen in eight months.
During his interview, Lionel Messi was cleared
During the interview, he said, “I am not sure about my plans after the World Cup.”. The future intrigues me. My plans will have to be evaluated after Qatar.”
“I don’t know,” Lionel Messi replied when asked if he would continue to play for Argentina.
It’s Ecuador (on Tuesday) that I think is coming up. We will be preparing for those matches in June and September.
“Let’s hope things go as well as they possibly can. I am certain that after the World Cup many things will change and that will certainly be the case.”
Lionel Messi has struggled to make an impact since his move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain.
PSG took a 3-0 loss to Bordeaux in the Ligue 1 earlier this month, which saw Barca legend Andres Iniesta booed off by their fans. In the Champions League, the Parisians were beaten by Real Madrid, and they lost to Manchester United in the league.
Lionel Messi’s contract completion will end on June 2024, and there is the central question of whether he will stay in PSG or not.
A few final words from Di Maria
After his trademark goal on Friday evening, Di Maria appeared to make his final announcement about his retirement from international football.
According to a post on his Instagram page, he said: “I just wanted to thank everyone for their incredibly kind words and love.
During this beautiful evening, I always dreamed of everything I lived and will live for the rest of my life.
This might have been my last match wearing this shirt in Argentina.
A wonderful night and a great time are insufficient words for describing how we felt.
I want to take this opportunity to thank you from the bottom of my heart. The team deserves additional kudos for how they played during the match.
It was a match made in heaven. I was looking forward to continuing to grow and dream together. Buenos Aires here we come!
Final VerdictÂ
Messi hints he may retire from international football after the World Cup. Argentina star scored as his side beat Venezuela 3-0 in a World Cup qualifier on Friday. Lionel Scaloni had suggested before the game that this could be Messi’s final match for his country.
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