ARGENTINA hope to give superstar Lionel Messi the ultimate World Cup knees-up.
Messi, 35, will feature in the tournament for the last time against reigning champs France in the final inside the Lusail Stadium.
GettyLionel Messi will battle for the trophy against France in his last World Cup game[/caption]
SplashArgentina boss Lionel Scaloni is hoping they can win for Messi[/caption]
And Qatari World Cup chiefs want to host a parade for the winners along Lusail Boulevard after the stadium presentation.
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni said: “I hope Leo wins and then says goodbye by lifting the Cup.
“It would be the best possible stage for him to say goodbye.
“The most important thing is to enjoy it — and what better setting than a World Cup final to do so.”
After the 3-0 semi-final win over Croatia, Messi was asked if this was his last World Cup match.
He said: “Surely, yes. There are many years for the next one and I don’t think I will be able to do that and ending this way is the best.
“There is a lot of happiness, being able to achieve this.
“Ending my World Cup career, playing my last game in a final.”
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Messi gained his only international success at the 2021 Copa America when Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 in the final.
Aston Villa keeper Emi Martinez said: “I saw a great Messi at the Copa — he was one of the best players at the tournament.
“At this World Cup, he took a step forward.
“He is playing better. He is the greatest of all time and he is excited.”