Messi hadn’t yet helped Argentina claim a World Cup victory until Qatar, but he has now rectified that.
The closest he has come was in 2014, when his team lost to Germany in the championship game in a rematch of the Maradona-starring final from 1990. Of course, Maradona and Argentina lost that match as well.
Qatar World Cup: Is this Lionel Messi last World Cup?
Yes. After Argentina’s victory over Croatia, Messi said the World Cup final in Doha would be his last match. He also admitted he didn’t see himself playing in the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“Between this year and the next, there are numerous years. I doubt I’ll be able to accomplish that. This is a wonderful way to finish “stated Messi.
The same is probably true for iconic opponent Cristiano Ronaldo, whose Portugal team lost in the quarterfinals.
After Ronaldo was benched for Portugal’s match against Morocco in the last-16, and Morocco eliminated Portugal in the quarterfinals, this tournament has already proven to be a devastating disappointment for him. Messi will be wishing for a more satisfying end to his time in Qatar.
