WORLD CUP winner Lionel Messi has confirmed that he will not be retiring from international football.
The star was instrumental in Argentina’s third World Cup win as they overcame France at the Lusail Stadium.
ReutersLionel Messi has confirmed that he will not be retiring from international football[/caption]
There had been suggestions that the 35-year-old would retire from international football after the final, but he has shot those rumours down.
He told TyC Sports after the game: “I am not retiring from the Argentina national team.
“I want to continue playing as a champion”.
Messi netted twice in the scintillating game as it went all the way to penalties, with Gonzalo Montiel’s spot kick sealing the win.
Despite leading 2-0 in the game, Argentina were pegged back after a brace from Kylian Mbappe.
The France star then cancelled out Messi’s extra-time goal with his second from the spot.
But it was meant to be Messi’s tournament, with the PSG ace also honoured with the Golden Ball for best player of the tournament.
Mbappe did pip him to the Golden Boot though as he netted eight goals in his seven games.
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Messi’s next international tournament will be the Copa America in 2024.
Argentina will be aiming to retain the trophy after winning the competition in 2021.