Lionel Messi on his future in Argentina: "I love football, it's what I do".

Lionel Messi on his future in Argentina: "I love football, it's what I do".

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'No, I'm not retiring': Lionel Messi made a huge statement after winning the World Cup

Seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi would like to continue playing with the national team after leading Argentina to their third World Cup title on 18 December. The nation's hopes rested on his shoulders and he did not disappoint as two goals and a penalty turned his team into a shootout in the final against France.

Speaking to Argentina's TyC Sports TV after the 2022 FIFA World Cup match between Argentina and France, Lionel Messi said: "No, I will not leave the national team. I want to continue playing as a world champion with Argentina." While the Argentina captain may not play in the next World Cup, he is likely to represent La Albiceleste in the upcoming Copa America.

"It's just unbelievable. I knew God would give me the cup, I was sure - it was a great joy for us. I had this big dream for a long time, I wanted to close my career with the World Cup. I can't." don't ask for more."

After finally winning the World Cup, Lionel Messi could make his strongest case yet to be considered the greatest footballer of all time. But it will never be possible to say for sure, not even after Argentina's 4-2 penalty shoot-out victory over France in the final at Lusail Stadium on Sunday. Messi inspired his country throughout the tournament in Qatar, scoring twice in a match that ended 3-3 after extra time.

When it comes to the GOAT debate, Messi's failure to win the sport has always been held against him when comparing his achievements to Pele and Maradona. The same goes for Ronaldo. Messi is a seven-time winner of the Ballon d'Or for the best player in the world and has lifted club football's greatest prize, the Champions League trophy, four times. He ended his wait for his first major trophy with his country at last year's Copa America.

However, the World Cup is the ultimate measure of greatness, and Pele and Maradona secured immortality with inspirational performances on that stage. That eluded Messi until Sunday. Yes, he was part of the Argentina team that lost 1-0 to Germany in the 2014 final, but the magic he produced during his prime at Barcelona never showed when he wore the blue and white stripes. Earth. At 35 and nearing the end of his career, the Qatar tournament was widely seen as his last shot at the World Cup. And if that's the case, you've saved the best for last.

(Inputs from AP)

Lionel Messi announced his retirement after Argentina beat France in the World Cup final

"I enjoy everything very much, I feel strong to face every match. We came and made a lot of big sacrifices."

Messi was awarded the Ballon d'Or for his role as the player of the tournament. Emi Martinez won the Gold Glove and outfielder Enzo Fernandez won Best Young Player.

Mbappe's hat-trick took his tally to eight and earned him the Messi award. However, he failed to lead his country to win World Cup trophies.

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