Lionel Messi has stated once again that only winning the 2022 World Cup allowed him to continue his international career with Argentina.
The story between the Albiceleste and Lionel Messi has been complicated but will have a beautiful ending. After numerous sporting disappointments, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was close to ending his international career.
However, winning the Copa America in 2021 revived his spirits. In 2022, the former star of Barcelona and PSG managed to win the World Cup against the French team, convincing him to further extend his journey with Argentina.
“If things hadn’t happened as they did (during the World Cup), I would have retired from international football. I was about to take another turn in my career, and the victory changed everything. Being World Champions for us, our families, and the entire country was magical, and it will remain engraved in our memories for the rest of our lives,” he said on the ‘Big Time’ podcast.
“I know that as soon as I think I can no longer perform, that I no longer enjoy playing, or that I’m no longer able to help my teammates, I’ll stop. I know when I’m good and when I’m not. As for retirement, it doesn’t matter how old I will be. If I feel good, I’ll continue to play,” he concluded.
It remains to be seen if Lionel Messi (180 caps) will continue his international career after the Copa America and the Paris Olympic Games this summer.
