(Football news) Seven time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi has said that November’s 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar will be the last of his career. The 35 year old has represented Argentina in four World Cups so far, scoring six goals and making five assists in 19 appearances. Messi finished runner-up with Argentina in the 2014 World Cup and won the Copa America in 2021, however, the illustrious World Cup trophy is the only honour missing from his otherwise glittering career. 

Speaking to ESPN, Messi said “It's my last World Cup, surely. I'm counting down the days until the World Cup. There is anxiety and nerves at the same time. Wanting it to be now, what is going to happen, and ultimately, how is it going to go?" The Argentine made his international debut in 2005 and has gone on to make 164 appearances for his country, scoring 90 goals. By representing Argentina in his fifth World Cup, Messi will surpass Diego Maradona and Javier Mascherano who played in four World Cups. 

Ranked third in the world, Argentina are grouped with Saudi Arabia, Poland and Mexico in Group C. The tournament is set to begin on November 20th. Speaking about the World Cup, Messi said “In a World Cup, anything can happen. All the matches are very tough. The favourites don't always end up winning. I don't know if we're the favourites, but Argentina is always a candidate because of its history. Now even more so because of the moment we're in, but we are not the favourites. I think there are other teams that are above us."

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