Argentina: Is Lionel Messi Retiring Now After World Cup Win?

Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates finally won the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Sunday after a 36-year drought. It was the country's third World Cup title and the first since Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal during the 1986 Mexico World Cup.

This is also Messi's first FIFA World Cup title. And after winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup over France, he cleared the air on rumors about his retirement.

Many have said that this World Cup will be Messi's last dance in the international game as he is already in the twilight of his career. Messi himself has even admitted to retiring from the international game. However, Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Messi may have changed his mind.

According to Romano, Messi told TyC Sports: "No, I'm NOT gonna retire from the national team. I want to keep playing as World Cup champions with Argentina shirt."

In an interview with TYC Sports, the Argentinian soccer legend also said: "I won the Copa America and the World Cup in a short time," and he wanted to be "living a few more games being world champion."

Even though he would be in his late 30s by the next World Cup, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said he still wanted Messi to keep playing for La Albiceleste.

"Messi should have a place in the next World Cup, we want him to continue. If he wants to keep playing, the '10' will always be ready for Lionel," said Scaloni, according to Romano.

The United States, Mexico, and Canada will co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Argentina Defeats France to Win World Cup in Extra Time Thriller

It was one of the most anticipated World Cup final matches in history, as two superstars finally faced off at the grandest stage of them all, with Lionel Messi and Argentina taking on Kylian Mbappe and France.

For France, it was all Mbappe, as he scored a hat trick and was the only person to score a goal for France in the entire match. None of the other French players were able to contribute to France's three goals.

However, while its young superstar was dazzling at the French side, Argentina's two veterans, who have been together in La Albiceleste since 2008, have scored the goals for their team.

Lionel Messi opened up the Argentine scoring while Angel Di Maria, who grew up in poverty in Argentina, put on a clinic. Messi scored the third goal for the Argentinians, tying the game up 3-3.

It had to come to penalties, with Messi and Mbappe scoring the first two. However, Argentinian goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez showed how important he is in the team by shutting down France's next two attempts.

It was Gonzalo Montiel who converted a crucial penalty kick for the Argentinians, as the South Americans won it 4-2 on penalties.

Is the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo GOAT Debate Over?

With the 2022 World Cup ending in Argentinian victory, many are asking if this settles the debate on who is the real GOAT of soccer, Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?

With the Argentinians winning, Messi has captured the one award that Ronaldo does not also have, the World Cup. Many other soccer players have weighed in and believe that Messi is indeed the true GOAT.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Argentina DEFEATS France on Penalties to WIN 2022 FIFA WORLD CUP [FULL GAME RECAP] - From CBS Sports HQ