KEY POINTS
- Lionel Messi scored 7 goals and 3 assists in 2022 World Cup
- Argentina defeated France in the final on penalties
- Messi wants to continue playing for Argentina as of now
Lionel Messi has written an emotional message for his country, Argentina, and shared exciting news with his local fans.
After four unsuccessful attempts at the FIFA World Cup — his ultimate dream — Messi finally lifted the “cute” World Cup trophy.
“It’s the best thing there is [World Cup trophy]. Look how cute it is,” Messi said in a post-match interview Sunday.
The Argentinian skipper also said that he wanted to end his international career by having the World Cup trophy on his cabinet and now that he has done it, he doesn’t want anything else.
“It’s simply unbelievable. I knew that God was going to give me the Cup, I was sure — it was a big joy for us,” he added. “I had this big dream for a long time, I wanted to close my career with World Cup. I can’t ask more than this.”
Leo Messi: “It’s simply unbelievable. I knew that God was going to give me the Cup, I was sure — it was a big joy for us”. 🏆🇦🇷 #Messi
“I had this big dream since long time, I wanted to close my career with World Cup. I can’t ask more than this”. pic.twitter.com/I38XP0zOVq
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 18, 2022
Messi, who finished the tournament with seven goals and three assists, also clinched the Golden Ball — an award given to the best player in the World Cup final. While Messi has also confirmed that he wants to continue his Argentina career and play with the tag of being a “world champion,” there is still no certainty about his international journey.
However, the 35-year-old forward is currently looking forward to reaching Argentina soon and celebrating the biggest possible victory of his career with his local fans.
“CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD!!!!!! I dreamed of it so many times, I wanted it so much that I still haven’t fallen, I can’t believe it. Thank you very much to my family, to all who support me, and also to all who believed in us. We demonstrate once again that Argentines when we fight together and united we are capable of achieving what we set out to do,” Messi wrote in an Instagram post, as per the translation provided by Goal.
“The merit belongs to this group, which is above individualities, it is the strength of all fighting for the same dream that was also the dream of all Argentines… We did it! Go Argentina! We are seeing each other very soon,” the Argentina skipper added.
After this, Messi will turn his focus to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) as the 2022-23 campaign will resume soon. PSG’s first game after the international break is on Dec. 28 against Strasbourg in Ligue 1. PSG are five points clear at the top of the league table after 15 points.
