ARGENTINA CAPTAIN LIONEL MESSI SHARES HIS THOUGHTS THAT THERE’S ALWAYS A PRESSURE OF EXPECTATIONS WHEN PLAYING FOR THE NATIONAL SIDE .
This is the first-ever winter World Cup going in Qatar – but will it be the last tournament that Lionel Messi appear at?
Action already kicks off on November 20 when hosts Qatar made their presence against Ecuador in the curtain-raising fixture. Ecuador won 2-0.
The world’s top national teams will battle it out in Qatar for almost a month and the final set to take place at Lusail Stadium on December 18.
In a press conferrence Lionel Messi has already confirmed that the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar next month will be the last of his career. But he did not make it clear whether he would retire from the national team after Qatar. Last time Argentina won the World Cup in 1978 and 1986.
“I don’t know whether we are big favorites, but I believe Argentina is a candidate because of its history, which means even more now because of the way we got here,” Messi added. “But in a World Cup anything can happen, all the matches are very difficult. It isn’t always the favorites who win it.”
He further added “I m counting down the days to the World Cup. There is anxiety and nerves at the same time.” Messi will turn 39 till 2026 World Cup, so his involvement in the game for national team would be a big ask even if he was determined to feature.
The most lovable star of this World Cup is appreciative of all the love he receives from world over and will look to channelize that positive support in a bid to end his country’s long wait for the envied trophy.
“It’s beautiful that many people who are not Argentine want us to be champions. I am grateful for the love I have received throughout my career,” he said.