Lionel Messi has confirmed that the final match of the current 2022 World Cup in Qatar on Sunday, December 18, will be his last match for his country. In the FIFA World Cup 2022 Messi is the top scorer and played an important assist role, Messi helped Argentina in the semi-final match against Croatia and the team was not one step away from winning the World Cup. He scored his team's first goal against Croatia and assisted Julian Alvarez's third goal.

After Argentina's win, Messi revealed his retirement intentions to main Argentine media outlet Diario Deportivo Ole, revealing that Sunday's clash will be his last game for the South American powerhouse.

“I feel very happy to be able to achieve this, to finish my World Cup journey by playing my last game in a final," Messi told Argentine media outlet Diario Deportivo Ole.
"It's many years for the next one and I don't think I'll be able to do it. And to finish like this, it's the best," he added.

After the semi-final win over Croatia, Messi urged his teammates to "enjoy" the occasion.

"Argentina are, once again, in the World Cup final. Enjoy it!" said Messi.

"We've been through tough situations, other very good ones. Today we're experiencing something spectacular."

Manchester City's Julian Alvarez scored twice to take his goals in the tournament to four in as many games.

Argentina arrived in Qatar as one of the favorites for the tournament, but doubts crept in when they lost their first match 1-2 to Saudi Arabia. They were unbeaten in 36 games before reaching Doha.

The runners-up will now face Morocco or defending champions France in the final, which will be played on Sunday at Lusail Stadium.