ASSOCIATED PRESS – DOHA, Qatar – Lionel Messi is not yet ready to leave the Argentina team, even though he has ended his quest for a World Cup winner’s medal.
The soccer legend won the only major trophy that eluded him in his historic career, when Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties in the final at the Lusail stadium on Sunday.
The match ended 3-3 following extra time, with Messi rattling the ropes twice and scoring his penalty in the penalty shootout.
At 35, this is probably his last appearance in soccer’s biggest tournament, but he confirmed following the match that he intended to continue representing Albiceleste.
“Obviously I wanted to end my career with that, (I) can’t ask for more,” Messi admitted. To end my career this way is spectacular. After that, what else? I have a Copa America, a World Cup. Almost at the very end. »
“I love soccer, what I do. I like being part of the national team, of the group. I want to enjoy a few more matches being world champion. »
Messi has won the Ballon d’Or, awarded to the best player in the world, seven times.
He also won the Champions League four times with his former club FC Barcelona, but the World Cup remains the most prized trophy.
“If he wants to continue playing, he can be with us, he has more than the right to decide if he wants to stay with us,” said Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni. It is a huge pleasure to lead him, everything he transmits to his team is unparalleled. It’s something I’ve never seen before. »
Messi put Argentina ahead from the penalty spot and was the catalyst for Angel Di Maria’s goal which made it 2-0 following 36 minutes.
Kylian Mbappé scored two goals in the space of 97 seconds to take the game into extra time.
Messi restored Argentina’s lead in the 108th minute, but Mbappé’s penalty in the 118th allowed the French star Paris Saint-Germain to score the first hat-trick in a World Cup final for 56 year.
“It’s just crazy that it became a reality this way. I dreamed of this so much. I knew God would bring me this gift, I felt this World Cup was the right one, Messi noted. It took so long, but here we are. We suffered a lot, but we managed to do it. »
