Lionel Messi says the 2022 World Cup will be the last major tournament he will play with the Argentina national team. The national team captain believes that La Albiceleste has the opportunity to win this prestigious trophy.
His appearance in Qatar this winter will be the fifth time the 35-year-old has competed in the World Cup in his career. He said he was nervous ahead of the tournament, but was still in a positive mood.
The Argentina national team will leave for Qatar with full confidence after winning the Coba America 2021 trophy after defeating hosts Brazil in the final. This achievement gave Messi confidence that it was a turning point for his team which had repeatedly failed to win major tournament titles.
“Is this my last World Cup? Yes, for sure, the decision has been made," Messi told the local Argentine outlet Star+.
“I am counting down the days to the World Cup. There is a bit of anxiety and anxiety at the same time,” said the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) player. “In the World Cup, anything can happen. All matches are very difficult. The favorite team doesn't always win."
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La Albiceleste has repeatedly almost won the title throughout their journey on three occasions. However, the Argentina national team had to lose to Germany in the 2014 World Cup final. Then, they lost against Chile in the 2015/2016 Copa America final.
“There were some amazing moments, like in 2014, 2015/2016, even though we didn't win and there was criticism for not being champions. We did everything well to get to the final," said the player nicknamed La Pulga.
Messi said he will head to Qatar with a positive outlook as an aging statesman in an Argentina national team that relies heavily on young talent. They managed to end their 28-year wait for a title by winning the 2021 Copa America.
“It's very difficult, but in 2019, a new team with a lot of young people came in and won the Copa America. That helps us a lot,” said the Argentina national team captain.
The Argentina national team will face the United Arab Emirates in a friendly match in November. It will be the last warm-up game before facing Saudi Arabia in the opening match of Group C of the World Cup on November 22, 2022. In that group, Lionel Messi and his colleagues will also face Mexico and Poland.
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