Messi Says He Will Not Retire from International Football after World Cup Win

Lionel Messi said that he will not retire from Argentina duty just yet, saying he wants to “experience a few more games as a world champion.”

The Paris Saint-Germain superstar capped his extraordinary career with the ultimate prize in a remarkable World Cup final on Sunday. 

Messi scored twice as the match ended in a 3-3 draw after extra-time – with Kylian Mbappe hitting a hat-trick for France – and scored in the shootout with Argentina finally prevailing.

With nothing major left to win on the world, European or domestic stages, there was an expectation Messi might decide to draw a line under his glittering 172-cap spell with Argentina, with whom he also won the Copa America last year.

But after the trophy ceremony he assured fans he plans to continue being part of the national team, telling Argentinian TV station TyC Sports: “Obviously I wanted to cap my career with this and I can’t ask for anything more.

“What will happen after this? I’ve managed to win the Copa America and the World Cup almost at the end…

“I love football, it’s what I do. I enjoy being in the national team and want to continue by experiencing a few more games as a world champion.”