Lionel Messi admits ‘many things will change’ after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

Lionel Messi netted Argentina’s third goal of the match, taking the ball on his chest following PSG teammate Angel Di Maria’s cross, before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez.

Before the clash, manager Lionel Scaloni suggested it could be the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s last game in his homeland before his retirement.

“Tomorrow he has the opportunity to play in his country, with his people”, Scaloni told reporters during a press conference on Thursday.

“Surely the last match we could play here (before the World Cup) and he can say goodbye to Argentina in the best way and hope that the future is even better.”

Messi himself added to the speculation after the game, suggesting he will consider his international career after the World Cup, which takes place in eight months time.

He said: “I don’t know what I will do after the World Cup. I am thinking about what is coming. After Qatar, I will have to reassess many things.”

The 34-year-old has failed to impress at PSG so far

Asked whether he will play on with Argentina, Messi added: “I don’t know, the truth is I don’t know.

“I think about that is coming, which is close, Ecuador (on Tuesday). The preparation matches in June and September.

“Let’s hope these go the best way possible. But for sure after the World Cup many things will change.”

Messi has failed hit the ground running at PSG since his move from Barcelona.

The Barca legend was booed off by PSG fans in their recent 3-0 Ligue 1 defeat to Bordeaux, and couldn’t help his side get past Real Madrid in the Champions League as the Parisians crashed out.

Messi’s contract runs until June 2023, and there is no incline as to whether or not he will remain at the Parc des Princes.

Di Maria could follow Messi into international retirement

Di Maria, meanwhile, appeared to announce his upcoming retirement from international football after a trademark goal on Friday.

In an Instagram post, he said: “I’m just going to say thank you for the enormous love received.

“I always dreamed of everything I lived on this beautiful night.

“It was probably my last match with this shirt in Argentina. And being able to say that it was a wonderful night is an understatement.

“Thank you, thank you and a thousand times thank you. Now if to congratulate the whole team for the incredible match that was played.

“A perfect match of all. To continue growing and dreaming together. Let’s go Argentina!!”

 

Arab Observer