Messi world cup

Sports Pulse, USA TODAY The 35-year-old superstar achieved the one But it appears Messi will stick to his word and go out on a high note. He previously said the 2022 World Cup would be his last, and he asserted Tuesday he has no plans to compete in the 2026 World Cup hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico. "I think not. (Qatar) was my last World Cup. I'll see how things go, but as it is right now, no, I won't go to the next World Cup," Messi told Chinese television station 😢 Lo que nunca queríamos escuchar 🇦🇷 Lionel During the 2022 World Cup, Messi scored seven goals, one in each of Argentina's matches, en route to a thrilling win in the final match against France. He won the Golden Ball award for the second time, also winning it for the 2014 tournament. THE MESSI EFFECT: Even if Messi, who will be 39 by the next World Cup, won't be playing in any of the 11 U.S. stadiums hosting World Cup action in 2026, American fans will still have plenty of options to see him play in the coming years. The

"This was my last World Cup. I will see how things go, but in principle no, I will not go to the next World Cup," he added. Messi explained that he would "like to be there to watch" the competition in 2026 but that he is "not going to participate". This could be easily arranged given that Messi will probably still be living in Miami if everything goes to plan in the MLS. Miami Herald reported that Messi will sign a two-and-a-half year contract with David Beckham co-owned franchise Inter, which comes with an option to extend until 2026. As with the World Cup, in which he lost the 2014 final to Germany, Messi suffered several setbacks at the Copa America by falling at the last hurdle three times ahead of making it fourth time lucky at the Maracana against champions Brazil in 2021. Once he retires from the Argentina fold permanently, Messi will do so as the national team's all-time goals and appearances leader after winning his maiden cap in 2005 as an emerging FC Barcelona talent.

Lionel Messi of Argentina scores the team's first goal from the penalty spot during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. Catherine Ivill/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Lionel Messi of Argentina scores the team's first goal from the penalty spot during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. Catherine Ivill/Getty Images AL DAAYEN, Qatar — The Is this it? Will Lionel Messi end his glorious career without winning a World Cup? The statistics were clear. Losing the first game in group play makes it almost impossible to advance to the knockout round. Not only would Argentina advance, it won the group and kept winning and never stopped. Now, with a 3-3 (4-2 penalty kick shootout) victory over defending champion France, Lionel Messi can call himself a World Cup champion in what was probably his final World Cup match. It's Argentina's third title and those early whispers have been replaced by tears and cheers. The Argentina attack paid off midway through the first half. Argentina forward Ángel Di María scooted past France's Ousmane Dembélé who tripped him in the box and won a penalty kick. There was no doubt who would take it. Lionel Messi, playing in his 26th World Cup game (the most ever in the men's tournament), walked up to the penalty spot, 12 yards fro...