'I'm not retiring': Argentina's hero Messi wants to keep playing as World Cup 2022 champion; fans jubilant

By Sunita Iyer | First Published Dec 19, 2022, 2:38 AM IST

Following Argentina's victory over France to clinch the Qatar World Cup 2022, Golden Ball winner Lionel Messi confirmed his intentions to continue playing for the national team, sparking massive excitement among fans.

Lionel Messi has finally completed football.

In the Qatar World Cup 2022 final versus France, Argentina prevailed on penalties (4-2) following a dramatic 3-3 tie that featured a brace from Lionel Messi and a hat-trick from Kylian Mbappe.

The moment he's dreamed about 🏆 pic.twitter.com/xGq3thFQvI

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup)

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Speaking following the incredible victory, Golden Ball winner Messi confirmed that he would continue playing as a 'champion' for Argentina's national team. The 35-year-old legend, who had earlier stated that the Qatar World Cup could be his last appearance on football's grandest stage, appears all set to defend Argentina's title at the 2024 Copa America and perhaps feature at World Cup 2026.

Also read: 'Picture perfect': Aguero carrying Messi during Argentina's World Cup 2022 victory celebration wins hearts

"No, I'm not retiring from the national team. I want to keep playing as a World Cup champion," Messi said after an epic final at Doha's Lusail Stadium on Sunday.

Lionel Andres Messi: “Look at this cup. It is beautiful. We suffered a lot but we made it. We can't wait to be in Argentina and to see how crazy it's going to be.”

“I am not retiring from the Argentina national team. I want to continue playing as a champion.” pic.twitter.com/SrlYCbzzAm

— Usher Komugisha (@UsherKomugisha)

Many assumed that the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star would end his illustrious career after a victory at the showpiece tournament, and much was made of his future plans.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or, however, said that it was definitely the final trophy he wished to capture before retiring. "I had this big dream for a long time. I wanted to close my career with the World Cup. I cannot ask for more than this," Messi stated.

Also read: Argentina win Qatar 2022: How the Messi vs Mbappe battle treated fans to G.O.A.T World Cup final

"It's simply unbelievable. I knew god was going to give me the cup. I was sure — it is a big joy for us," the 35-year-old Argentinian legend added.

News of Messi not retiring after Argentina's World Cup 2022 victory has sent fans of the former Barcelona legend into a tizzy. "Massive news, the God of football will continue playing!" said one fan on Twitter, while another added, "Messi not retiring. This day keeps on spreading more joy."

Also read: 'Messi will be sainted': Peter Drury's commentary wins hearts as Argentina crowned World Cup 2022 champions

Here's a look at how Messi supporters reacted:

🚨 Messi: “I’m not retiring from the National Team. I want to continue playing as a champion.” tells 🗣️🏆 pic.twitter.com/97cPvG9kRZ

— 𝚊𝚚𝚚𝚞 ͏ ͏ (@aquilahmad_)

🚨🚨 Messi: “I’m not retiring from the National Team. I want to continue playing as a champion.” tells 🗣️🏆

Massive news, the God of football will continue playing! pic.twitter.com/ylmS0zgukG

— Giridhara Raam 🇦🇷 (@GiridharaRaam)

Messi not retiring 🙌❤

This day keeps on spreading more joy
pic.twitter.com/FMsNYcnz6l

— 冷たいコーヒー ❄⛄ (@ColdCoffeee__)

MESSI IS NOT RETIRING pic.twitter.com/YgbG2zbNVF

— RiickySimp (Jolyne simp) (@riickysimp)

Messi not retiring
We are feasting pic.twitter.com/nYjedfXAwk

— O Monstro (@Mohaas10Messi)

Messi is not retiring after the world cup. What a Night for Messi and Argentina Fans..... pic.twitter.com/Quyji5pCm9

— Sukumar🇮🇳 🇦🇷(Messi, Allu Arjun, MSD) (@SukumarAA)

🗣️ Lionel Messi:

“I’m not retiring from the National Team. I want to continue playing as a champion.”

HE’S NOT FUCKING LEAVING! 🇦🇷🐐 pic.twitter.com/RYrPJdcQTY

— Barstool Football (@StoolFootball)

Messi right now 🤣🤣

Ladies and gentlemen, he is not f**king leaving

The show goes on 🕺🕺

We are winning the next Copa America IJN https://t.co/6fOu1Eub7S pic.twitter.com/Uy9dgZd6nW

— ——-—Wuzi is supporting Peter Obi for President———— (@dawuzi)

OHH LEO 💞💞💞 https://t.co/mokrJFbmNB pic.twitter.com/eKJwBSZwON

— 𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙖𝙢 🇦🇷 (@sxnyxmv)

MESSI PLAYING WITH THE WORLD CUP BADGE ON HIS CHEST https://t.co/sW5vI0GYs2 pic.twitter.com/OG4sD5P91W

— Uday Maggon (@uday_maggon)

Another Copa to statpad the CV!!!!! https://t.co/agYMKWCZGv pic.twitter.com/LCdwinwB5f

— certified argentine (@casualfan_)

2nd Copaaaaa https://t.co/QJlazpXATF pic.twitter.com/JKNeQ3KOus

— ¿Qué Miras, Bobo? (@foIarin)

HE SAID https://t.co/01aBX2QZIe pic.twitter.com/YMZBKpbL12

— nika (@montparnasss)

Other countries right now https://t.co/bFQg5IzqY3 pic.twitter.com/nopCNSwIdw