The World Cup final this weekend will mark Lionel Messi's last appearance at a World Cup, he has declared.
Argentina defeated Croatia in the semifinals 3-0 thanks to Lionel Messi's mesmerising performance, and the South Americans will now face either France or Morocco on Sunday for the title of world champions.
The seven-time winner of the Ballon d'Or has had a fantastic tournament and is in a terrific position to add the World Cup to his resume of impressive successes.
After contributing two assists and one goal to the win over Croatia, the 35-year-old is now tied for lead in Qatar in both categories. He will tie Lothar Matthaus for the most appearances in the World Cup with 26, having already declared that Sunday's final would be his final outing.
“I am very happy to finish my journey in World Cups in a final, to play the last game in a final. That is really very gratifying,” he said, according to BBC.
“Everything I lived in this World Cup has been emotional, seeing how much it has been enjoyed in Argentina.
“There are a lot of years from this year to the next one. I don’t think I will be able to do that. To finish this way is brilliant.”
Messi led Argentina to victory at the 2021 Copa America, the country’s first major championship since 1990. Defeat in the 2014 World Cup final and three prior losses in the competition’s championship game set the stage for this triumph.
Now he has a second opportunity at football’s most prestigious award, which many believe would establish him as the sport’s most outstanding player ever.
“We are going to do our best, as we have done up until now, so that this time it really happens – we really win it,” Messi said.
“I have been enjoying it the past few years, being with the national side. I am really enjoying everything that is happening to us.
“To get the Copa America, to reach the World Cup with 36 games unbeaten, and to finish all that trajectory in a final is just incredible.
“I hope the people in Argentina enjoy themselves and what we are doing. They shouldn’t doubt we are giving absolutely everything.”