Argentina star Lionel Messi has, late on Sunday, confirmed his plans at international level moving forward.
Messi, earlier this evening, of course realised a life-long dream.
After clawing their way to the finale of football’s most prestigious tournament, Argentina went head to head with reigning holders France, for the title of World Cup champions.
And, when all was said and done, on the back of a frankly chaotic 120 minutes, it was the Albiceleste who held their nerve, converting four spot-kicks to France’s two, to etch their names indellibly into football’s history books.
ARGENTINA HAVE WON THE WORLD CUP!!
Look at these scenes. They’ve done it. #BBCWorldCup #FifaWorldCup pic.twitter.com/caFYhmWO0a
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 18, 2022
Amid the wild celebrations at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar on Sunday night, though, one source of concern nevertheless remained prevalent for all of an Argentina persuasion.
This came in the form of the burning question: Will Lionel Messi retire?
Speaking to the media post-match, it therefore came as little surprise when the subject of his international future was put to Messi himself.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, though, quickly went on to quash any and all speculation, in confirming that:
“I’m not going to retire from the national team. I want to keep playing as world champions in the Argentina shirt.”
Lionel Messi: “No, I’m NOT gonna retire from the national team. I want to keep playing as World Cup champions with Argentina shirt”, tells TyC Sports. ⭐️🇦🇷 #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/Nd9KGboZgG
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 18, 2022
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