Lionel Messi is clear about Qatar being his last World Cup

In an interview with Sebastián Vignolo, the living Argentine legend that is Lionel Messi spoke rather candidly about his future representing his nation in major championships, and most specifically, the World Cup. In November we will see the start of the latest edition, taking place in Qatar, and this, says the Paris Saint-Germain forward, is likely to be his farewell to the showpiece competition.

Messi to say farewell to World Cup

“This will be my last World Cup, for sure,” Messi said. “The decision has been made.”

“I’m counting down the days until the World Cup,” continued the former Barcelona star, admitting that he was a feeling somewhat anxious given that it will be his final one. “On the one hand, I can’t wait for it to arrive but I’m also really desperate for it to go well.”

On whether or not Argentina, with him still in the team, can be considered favorites for the title, his response was measured.

“I don’t know if we are favorites, but Argentina in itself is always a candidate because of our history, because of what it means to us. I think there are other teams that are above us at the moment, but we are close there”.

“We’re going through a very good moment, with a strong group, but anything can happen at a World Cup.”

And Messi was also feeling positive about his own form.

“The truth is, yes, I feel good physically. I was able to complete a very good preseason this year that I had not been able to do the previous year, because of how it happened I started playing late, with the tournament already started, without rhythm.

“Then I went to the national team, and when I came back I then got an injury. This year’s preseason was essential to start in a different way. And how I got to this year too, with a different head, with a different mentality and with great enthusiasm”.