Lionel Messi speaks out on his World Cup future

Lionel Messi confirms the news that many suspected all along. Speaking at the World Cup in Qatar on Monday, the Argentine said it would be the last World Cup of his illustrious career.

"This is definitely my last World Cup," Messi said, according to Spanish journalist Alfredo Martinez. “My last chance to win it.

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Indeed, it was widely expected to be Messi's last World Cup dance with the star, now 35 years old,

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and Qatar celebrating his fifth career World Cup appearance. While Messi probably still has at least a few solid years left at the club level.

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he will be 39 years old by the time the next World Cup takes place in 2009. North America in 2026.

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Despite having already won almost every other trophy there is to win during his storied career on the pitch, Messi still has one big void to fill.

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Messi and Argentina came closest in 2014 when they were World Cup runners-up to Germany, losing 1-0 in the final match.

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But they've also had some heartbreaking spells over the years and now the pressure will be huge on Argentina to win it all in Qatar during Messi's final run.

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