“I Would Have Left the National Team” – Lionel Messi Reflects on World Cup Outcome and Its Impact on His Future

In the 123rd minute of the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, Randal Kolo Muani had a difficult choice. Either to square the ball to an open Kylian Mbappe or take the shot himself. Ultimately, he chose to go for glory himself and saw his effort saved. In this end, this played a key role in Argentina winning the coveted prize. But what if Kolo Muani had passed to the hattrick hero Mbappe, who was almost certain to score? Well, for Lionel Messi, he’s just revealed it would have been the end of the string as far as his international career is concerned!

On the Big Time Podcast, Lionel Messi spoke about his pre-planned retirement, had things not gone his way in Qatar. The 8x Ballon d’Or winner said, “Surely if things would not have happened the way they did at the World Cup, I would have left the national team.” Having stepped down from the national side following the 2016 Copa America heartbreak, another setback would have been too much to handle.

Fortunately, that didn’t end up happening and Lionel Messi, along with Scaloni, is now planning for the upcoming Copa America campaign in the US. In fact, the duo has already had meetings to discuss certain tactical aspects ahead of the tournament. But will the Argentine maestro play beyond that? Notably, Messi had already once hinted at his future with the national team.

Lionel Messi said 2022 was his last WC citing the ‘age factor’, but there’s a catch to it

Lionel Messi has been dazzling fans in the US through his eventful Inter Miami stint. But, it doesn’t seem likely that the soccer icon will participate in the 2026 World Cup in the same country. In the documentary, ‘Messi’s World Cup: The Rise of a Legend’, the playmaker rated his chances of participating in another World Cup. He said, “I will turn 36 in June, and because of the age factor, this will be the last World Cup in my career.” But the documentary was filmed before Messi emerged triumphant in Qatar. Would the result have changed his mind?

Argentine manager, Ruben Dario Insua believes that the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner will continue until the 2026 tournament. He shared, “I think he will play longer after the Copa América. I am sure that Messi is going to play in the next World Cup.” This is what the majority of soccer fans, including FIFA’s President, Gianni Infantino, are hoping for. The best-case scenario would be a positive result in the upcoming Copa America!

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Read More: Scaloni Credits Lionel Messi’s Influence in Resignation U-Turn As Argentine Coach Commits to Continuing Ahead of Copa America