Lionel Messi says final will be last World Cup game for Argentina

The final of the World Cup will be Lionel Messi's last one.

In Tuesday's semi-final win over Croatia, the 35-year-old forward scored his fifth goal of the tournament and helped set up two others.

Messi has never won the world cup.

I am very happy to have played in the final of the World Cup. He said that it was very gratifying.

I've seen how much the World Cup has been appreciated in Argentina.

There are many years to come. I don't believe I'll be able to do that. It is great to finish this way.

Lionel Messi will make his 26th appearance in a men's World Cup when Argentina plays France or Morocco in the final.

The World Cup will be held in three countries.

Messi has won the Ballon d'Or seven times and been named the best men's player once.

The Argentines won 11 top-flight titles, four of which were in the top-flight.

Argentina lost in the finals of the World Cup to Germany.

"We are going to do our best, as we have done up until now, so that this time it really happens, we really win it," said Messi, who retired from international duty in June 2016 before reversing his decision two months later.

Being with the national side has been enjoyable for me. Everything is happening to us and I am happy about it.

To get to the World Cup with 36 games without a loss, and to end it in a final is just incredible.

I hope the people in Argentina like what we're doing. We are giving everything.

Lionel Messi is one of only six men to have appeared in five World Cup, along with German Lothar Matthaus, Portugal's CR7 and Antonio Carbajal.

Messi became the first Argentina player to score in four World Cups and also became their record World Cup scorer with 11 goals at the World Cup in Russia.

In 172 games, he has scored 97 goals and made his Argentina debut at the age of 18.

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