Lionel Messi the former Barcelona captain and Paris Saint-Germain superstar said in an interview with Sebastian Vignolo that the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar will be his last.
The 35-year-old, regarded as one of the best of all time, made the revelation when appraising Argentina’s chances of winning the tournament in Qatar. During the conversation, the record Ballon d’Or winner also discussed last year’s Copa America victory and his future after football.
What has Messi said about his future in coaching?
Leo expressed humility when asked about his achievements in the game. He said, “I never set out to be the best player in history. I think I’m just another player. On the pitch, we are all the same and when the game starts I always try to improve myself”.
With the World Cup little over a month away, Messi stated that he is both enthusiastic and nervous about the competition. He also, “My intention is that when I retire, I will be remembered for being a good person, not as a good player”.
When asked if he would like to become a coach once he retires, Messi answered, “I don’t really intend to be a coach, but Zidane said exactly that and after that, he became a coach and won the Champions League 3 times”.
However, the former Barcelona captain insisted on the possibility of becoming a sporting director in the future. Leo said, “I would like to be the sporting director of a club, to build a team, to accompany the coaches, but I’m not sure about that”.
Messi on his retirement
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has declared that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will “definitely” be his last, meaning that his retirement from international football is close.
Messi has the Argentine records for caps (164) and goals (90), and his Copa America final victory over Brazil last year ended his lengthy wait for a major international prize.
He intends to capitalise on his success in Qatar this winter, and Argentina, which is unbeaten in 35 games, will travel to the Middle East with strong claims. Messi appears to be rediscovering form just in time for the World Cup, with seven assists. However, he admits that anxieties are taking control as he prepares for his final chance at global glory.
