Lionel Messi hints at possible 2023 retirement

Speaking after the FIFA World Cup qualifier game against Venezuela, Argentina captain Lionel Messi has hinted that he might retire from international football in the next year.

Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of the game, having tasted immense success at club level during his time at Barcelona. He also won the Copa America with the Argentine national team last year.

The 34-year-old, however, has not been at his best since leaving Barça for Paris Saint-Germain last summer. But he was certainly in his elements when he took the field against Venezuela as La Albiceleste won 3-0, with Messi getting on the scoresheet.

Addressing the media after the game, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner hinted that it may have been his last international match on his homeland, while he added that he will have some decisions to make regarding his career once the World Cup is over.

“After the World Cup, I will have to rethink many things,” Messi said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

While the statement is not entirely clear, it does point towards the 34-year-old considering the possibility of retirement, at least from international football once the showpiece tournament in Qatar ends.

At the same time, Messi’s contract with PSG stands to run down in the summer of 2023. The former Barcelona captain has not confirmed if he will extend his stay at the club beyond that, decide to move away or hang up his boots altogether.

But, as far as international football goes, though, the 2022 FIFA World Cup may very well be the last time fans see Messi in the colours of Argentina.