Argentina captain Lionel Messi revealed that the 2022 FIFA World Cup was likely his fifth and last participation in the prestigious tournament. Messi stated to Titan Sports before Argentina's friendly match against Australia in Beijing, "I don’t think so; this was my last appearance in the World Cup. I will see how things go, but generally, I will not go to the next World Cup." The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, who recently announced his transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to Inter Miami, praised his former coach at Barcelona, Pep Guardiola.
The 35-year-old forward led his country to win the World Cup for the third time in its history in Qatar last December and mentioned during the tournament that he would not participate in any other editions. Messi had previously reconsidered his international retirement in 2016, and soccer fans in his country hope he will continue with the national team for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Messi and Guardiola won two Champions League titles together at the Catalan club, and Messi expressed his happiness for the Spanish coach finally winning the prestigious continental club tournament with Manchester City. In an interview with the Chinese sports newspaper, Messi said, "I talk a lot to Pep because we are in constant contact. I am very happy with his achievement, winning the Champions League recently. He is the best coach in the world. Although I think he didn’t need to win the Champions League to prove that, this victory affirms his worthiness of being called the best coach in the world. He deserves it."
Argentina will play against Australia in the Chinese capital tomorrow, Thursday.
