LIONEL MESSI has announced 2022 will be his LAST World Cup.
The Argentine is currently 35 years old, but has confirmed his final appearance at the World Cup will be in Qatar.
Qatar will be his fifth appearance with his nation at the world renowned event, with his first coming in 2006.
He confirmed: “This will be my last World Cup — for sure. The decision has been made.”
The Barcelona legend’s record in the World Cup stands at six goals and five assists from 19 appearances.
Messi previously suffered heartbreak in the 2014 final when an extra-time strike from Germany’s Mario Gotze ended his World Cup dream.
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The World Cup remains the one elusive trophy from Messi’s illustrious cabinet.
Messi and Argentina will enter this tournament as the reigning champions of South America, having won the Copa America against Brazil last year.
At club level, Messi’s future beyond next summer remains clouded in mystery with reports suggesting he is close to sealing a Barcelona return from Paris Saint-Germain.
However, after a slow season last year Messi looks to be back to his best with an incredible eight goals and eight assists already this season.
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Whether this means Messi will retire fully from international football remains to be seen, but he is no stranger to retiring from that part of football.
He previously penned a shock retirement in 2016 after suffering a fourth Copa America final defeat.
But he soon made a U-turn on this decision with his nation struggling to cope without his leadership and ability.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
