Lionel Messi wants to “continue playing as a champion” and has no intention of leaving international football anytime soon.
Argentina won the World Cup on Sunday for the third time and the first time since 1986 thanks to two goals from Messi, 35.
Messi will be 38 years old when the 2026 World Cup kicks off and will turn 39 while competing, but the forward has stated he does not plan to retire right away after the world cup victory.
Speaking after the finals, Messi said, “I’m not retiring from the national team.
“I want to continue playing as a champion.”
Messi had previously stated that he anticipates this World Cup in Qatar to be his final.
“It is impressive to end up playing a final. There’s a long way to go for the next one, there are many years and surely because of age I won’t get to it,” he said.
Argentina defeated France on penalties on Sunday in what was possibly the greatest tournament final in history.
Argentina took the lead after a goal from Messi, and it looked like they were headed for victory when Angel Di Maria extended their advantage to 2-0 just before halftime.
However, PSG’s Kylian Mbappe responded from the penalty spot and forced extra time after scoring an incredible volley from Marcus Thuram.
During the extra time, Messi once again gave Argentina the lead, but Mbappe tied the scores minutes later with his third goal. Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni both missed from the spot, giving Argentina the victory on penalties.
Messi said after the match: “It is crazy that it has happened this way.
“I wanted it very much. I knew that God was going to give it to me, I believed that it was going to be this way. Now to enjoy it.”
