The 2022 World Cup final will be Lionel Messi’s final appearance on such a stage, according to the former Barcelona legend after he stated that he has no plans to compete at the 2026 World Cup.
It will be revealed that the seven-time winner of the Ballon d’Or spurred the Albiceleste to the ultimate prize in Qatar with a series of talismanic performances that allowed him to finish his brilliant medal collection,
The 35-year-old had stated before the competition that he would not return for another one, and he has since reaffirmed that position after disclosing that he will soon be travelling to the United States at club level in order to join up with MLS team Inter Miami.
Quizzed by Chinese outlet Titan Sports on whether he expects to prolong his international career through to the World Cup finals in 2026 that are due to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, Messi said: “I think not. This was my last World Cup. I’ll see how things go, but not in principle, I won’t go to the next World Cup.”
The 35-year-old will join Inter Miami after his departure from Paris Saint-Germain just weeks ago. He turned down opportunities at his former club Barcelona and the Saudi Arabian Pro League’s Al Hilal.
