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Lionel Messi (Source - Twitter)
Ahead of the final encounter of the FIFA World Cup 2022 at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, all eyes are on Lionel Messi. The Argentina captain, after his side's 3-0 win over Croatia, had confirmed that the Qatar final will be his last appearance in a World Cup clash. Hence, he will like to sign off on a high with a fairytale end to his WC career. Nonetheless, there are concerns among Argentina fans about Messi missing out on Thursday's, December 15 training session.
It is reported that Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni had given all the starting XI from the semi-final clash the day off and, hence, Messi and many others weren't part of the recent training session. As per Foot Mercato, it is believed that he has been experiencing some discomfort in his hamstring, which was evident in the semi-final as well, but is in line to feature in the World Cup final. Hence, there are no alarm bells ringing in the Argentina camp just yet with regard to Messi's fitness.
‘I don’t think I’ll be able to do it’- Lionel Messi
Messi confirmed he will play his last FIFA World Cup game when Argentina takes on France in Sunday’s final in Qatar. The 35-year-old is playing at his fifth World Cup, surpassing the four of Diego Maradona and Javier Mascherano. Messi also talked about his record of 11 goals in the World Cup as he surpassed Gabriel Batistuta and became the top Albiceleste scorer at World Cups.
“I feel very happy to be able to achieve this, to finish my World Cup journey by playing my last game in a final, It’s many years for the next one and I don’t think I’ll be able to do it. And to finish like this, it’s the best,” Messi told Argentine media outlet Diario Deportivo Ole.
“It’s all well and good (the records), but the important thing is to be able to achieve the group objective, which is the most beautiful thing of all, We’re just one step away, after fighting hard, and we’re going to give everything to try to make it happen this time,” Messi added.