Lionel Messi gives brutal reality check to fans possibly hinting toward the end of his international career

Lionel Messi admitted after the match that the final could be the last international game for some of the team's veterans.

Lionel Messi gives brutal reality check to fans possibly hinting toward the end of his international career

Lionel Messi hinted at possible retirement after 2024 Copa America. (via IMAGO)

Argentine captain and 2022 World Cup winner Lionel Messi spoke to reporters, hinting at retirement after the team reached the Copa America final. The 37-year-old insisted that he is fighting his ‘last battles’ for the national team.

The Inter Miami star had an impressive outing last night, as the defending Copa America champions booked their place in the 2024 final. Goals from Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez led to a 2-0 win over Canada in the semi-final. The veteran captain silenced critics once again, with his recent performance. Messi might now be considering ending his international career, having recently stated that he had nothing left to win.

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The 37-year-old hadn’t scored in the 2024 Copa America until now. In a post-match interview, Messi hinted at potential retirement for some veteran players after the upcoming final. He emphasized cherishing their time together as a team and the opportunity to compete for another title. Additionally, he acknowledged the difficulty of reaching another final and expressed his awareness, like some other players, that these might be their last international battles.

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Yes, I am aware that these are the last battles… I am enjoying them to the fullest. It's not easy to be in the final again, we need to enjoy, enjoy every moment.
Lionel Messi on his national team future (via Goal)

Messi-led Argentina will be aiming to secure the team’s record 16th Copa America title. Additionally, it represents the last chance at silverware for several senior players, including Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi.

Argentina skipper Lionel Messi’s international career over the years

Lionel Messi scored his 109th international goal, against Canada. The Argentine legend, likely playing in his last Copa America, could be in his final phase with the national team.

Lionel Messi trophies
Lionel Messi has achieved a number of accolades with Argentina. (via IMAGO)

Recognized as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Messi has won three major international trophies with Argentina, including the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Moreover, The 37-year-old also holds the records for the most international goals and appearances by any South American player. Following the team’s semi-final victory over Canada, Messi reached his seventh final with the national team.

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