Lionel Messi opens up on retirement talks after profitable World Cup: Want to proceed as world champion

FIFA World Cup 2022: Speaking after lifting the World Cup with Argentina in Doha on Sunday, Lionel Messi stated he would need to proceed enjoying for the nationwide group and benefit from the feeliing of being a world champion in Argentina colors.

New Delhi,UPDATED: Dec 19, 2022 03:04 IST

Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy on the Lusail Stadium (AP Photo)

By India Today Web Desk: At 35, Lionel Messi appears to be eager on having fun with the sensation of enjoying because the world champion for Argentina, one thing that he has by no means completed earlier than in his lengthy and adorned profession. After profitable the World Cup in Qatar on Sunday, December 18, Messi confirmed he would keep it up to play for Argentina, not less than a “few more” occasions as he dismissed rumors about his retirement.

Messi scored twice and transformed Argentina’s first shot in penalties in probably the most fascinating World Cup finals because the Albiceleste defeated France 4-2 on penalties within the World Cup closing. In his fifth try, Messi received the FIFA World Cup, the one lacking piece in his envious trophy cabinet.

“I wanted to close my career with this, it was the one that was missing so I can no longer ask for anything else,” stated Messi, as quoted by information company Reuters.

“I was able to get the Copa America and now the World Cup that I had fought so hard for. I’ve got it at the end of my career. But I love football and I want to continue living a few more games being world champion.”

Messi received the Golden Ball for one of the best participant on the World Cup for the second time, changing into the one man to take action. He had received the respect in 2014 after ending runners-up with Argentina within the closing in opposition to Germany. 7

In Qatar, Messi scored 7 objectives and offered 4 assists as he ran the present for Argentina in solely their third victorious World Cup marketing campaign and the primary since 1986.

Messi had retired from worldwide soccer in 2016 after Argentina’s Copa America closing defeat to Chile. However, he discovered the braveness to return to Argentina nationwide group as soon as once more.

Messi’s 2018 World Cup marketing campaign resulted in Round of 16 however his persistence paid off when he led Argentina to the Copa America crown in 2021.

‘KNEW GOD WOULD BRING THIS GIFT’

Messi’s World Cup goals in Qatar suffered an early blow when Argentina had been shocked by Saudi Arabia of their opening match. However, Messi and Argentina bounced again sturdy and saved bettering by means of the match.

Reflecting on the gorgeous closing and the victory, Messi stated he believed the triumph was meant to occur.

“It’s just crazy that it became a reality this way,” Messi said.

“I craved for this so much. I knew God would bring this gift to me. I had the feeling that this (World Cup) was the one.”

Messi stated he was itching to return to Argentina and be a part of the celebrations. Messi was soaking within the gorgeous ambiance created by not less than 40,000 touring Albiceleste followers on the Lusail Stadium after the World Cup closing win.

Messi kissed the World Cup trophy when he went on to gather the Golden Ball. He bought his fingers on the trophy 10 minutes later as he lifted it and celebrated the triumph with teammates and household.

“I can’t wait to be in Argentina to witness the insanity of this.”

Published On:

Dec 19, 2022