Lionel Messi has announced that he will not retire from international football. The 34-year-old attacker started during Albiceleste’s 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph.
Messi played seven games during the tournament, registering seven goals and three assists. He won the Ballon d’Or award, along with the Silver Boot. The Paris-Saint-Germain forward scored a brace in the final against France and also scored in the penalty shootout.
There has been speculation about Lionel Messi’s international future ever since he announced that this would be his last FIFA World Cup.
Lionel Messi promises to continue playing with Argentina
Argentine hero Lionel Messi has shown his desire to continue playing internationally after success at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Speaking to the media (h/t Fabrizio Romano), he said: “No, I am NOT retiring from the selection. I want to continue playing as world champions with (the) Argentina shirt”.
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The 34-year-old attacker also expressed his delight after winning the World Cup title. He said: “It’s just amazing. I knew that God was going to give me the Cup, I was sure, it was a great joy for us.
I had this great dream for a long time, I wanted to close my career with the World Cup. I can’t ask for more than this.” The 34-year-old attacker also came close to lifting the 2014 FIFA World Cup trophy, when Argentina lost to Germany in the final.
Lionel Messi is Argentina’s all-time record goalscorer and also holds the record for most appearances. He has scored 98 goals in 172 appearances for the Albiceleste since he made his debut in 2005. Messi also helped Argentina win the Copa América in 2021.
Paris Saint-Germain offers Lionel Messi a new contract
According to Fabrizio Romano, Paris Saint-Germain will offer Lionel Messi a new contract in the coming days. The Argentine international’s current contract at the Parque de los Príncipes will expire at the end of the current season.
Paris Saint-Germain is willing to extend his stay at the club. According to the aforementioned report, Messi will decide his future in 2023. Lionel Messi’s former club Barcelona and MLS team Inter Miami have also shown interest in securing his services.
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Meanwhile, the Argentina international joined the Parisian side on a Bosman deal during the summer 2021 window. He has made 53 appearances (in all competitions) for the Parisians so far, recording 23 goals and 29 assists.
