Lionel Messi (35, Paris Saint-Germain), who was recognized as the true 'god of soccer' by leading his country Argentina to win the World Cup, expressed his will to play more as a national team member in the thrill of winning 'the trophy he wanted for the rest of his life'.
After the 2022 Qatar World Cup final against France held at Lusail Stadium in Qatar today (19th, Korean time), Messi said in an interview with a local broadcaster, "It's crazy that the championship came like this. I really wanted this." revealed.
'Captain' Messi's Argentina faced France 2-2 in the first and second half of the 90 minutes and 3-3 until overtime in the final, and then won the World Cup 4-2 in the ensuing penalty shootout, winning the World Cup for the first time in 36 years.
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It is the first World Cup victory for Messi, who has dominated world football for decades and played a role in the Argentine national team.
He achieved everything he could achieve in his career as a soccer player, but Messi, who did not have the World Cup trophy, finally achieved his dream of becoming the world's top player after five challenges starting in 2006 in Germany.
Including the multi-goal in the final, Messi scored 7 goals and 3 assists in this tournament, leading Argentina to win the championship and winning the Golden Ball for the best player in the tournament, allowing him to be proud of being the 'best' in all aspects.
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Messi said, "I knew God would give it to me. I felt like this would happen. Now it's time to enjoy it. Look at this cup, it's beautiful."
"This is the trophy I've wanted all my life. It's been a dream since I was young," he said. "We suffered a lot, but we did it."
This World Cup was called the 'last dance' of Messi, who entered his mid-30s.
Four years later, he is looking at his 40s, and even if he participates in the World Cup, it is difficult to demonstrate his heyday skills.
Messi, who splendidly decorated the 'Last Dance' himself, has revealed that this is not the complete end of the Argentina national team.
"I am not retiring from the Argentina national team. I want to continue the experience of playing as a world champion," he said.
(Photo = Getty Image Korea)
