Lionel Messi says he will not retire from Argentina just yet, saying he wants to “experience a few more games as a world champion.”
The Paris Saint-Germain superstar capped a brilliant tournament with two goals in a highly entertaining final against France, which went to penalties thanks to Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick. Messi and Argentina prevailed as they ran out 4-2 winners in the shootout.
With nothing major left to win on the world, European or domestic stages, there was an expectation Messi might decide to draw a line under his glittering 172-cap spell with Argentina, with whom he also won the Copa America last year.
But after the trophy ceremony he assured fans he plans to continue being part of the national team, telling Argentinian TV station TyC Sports: “Obviously I wanted to cap my career with this and I can’t ask for anything more.
“What will happen after this? I’ve managed to win the Copa America and the World Cup almost at the end…
“I love football, it’s what I do. I enjoy being in the national team and want to continue by experiencing a few more games as a world champion.”
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni suggested retirement from the national team should be on Messi‘s terms, but is hopeful the player will be a part of things for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
“For now, I think we should save a place for him for the next World Cup. If there are 26…” Scaloni told Tyc Sports.
” What does it matter? You can have the 10 saved if you want to continue playing.
“I think he earned the right to choose what to do with his football career and with the Argentine national team.
“He has no pending account – if he did, what for me he never had it -, the truth is that it is a pleasure to have trained him and his teammates.”
