Stephen Dunmoye
Argentina Captain and striker, Lionel Messi has confirmed that this year’s tournament in Qatar will be the last World Cup of his career.
Messi announced the news on his future with the Argentina national team on Thursday.
“This will be my last World Cup — for sure. The decision has been made,” the 35-year-old said.
The former Barcelona skipper is set to play in his fifth World Cup in Qatar after making his debut at the 2006 edition in Germany.
He has scored six goals in the previous four editions of the tournament.
He led his country to the final of the 2014 tournament in Brazil where they lost 1-0 to Germany after extra-time.
After suffering heartbreaks in three consecutive major tournaments in 2014, 2015 and 2016, Messi eventually led his country to the Copa America title in Brazil.
His record for Argentina stands at 90 goals in 164 games, making him the third-highest goalscorer ever in men’s international football behind Cristiano Ronaldo (117) and Iran’s Ali Daei (109).
Messi announced his retirement from international football in 2016 after losing in the Copa America final against Chile, but he quickly reversed his decision and has remained the captain of the team ever since.