- Argentina’s talisman Lionel Messi is likely to stop playing for the Albiceleste and face club football
- The Albiceleste superstar believes the South American have enough quality to withstand threat from the likes of Brazil, Germany, Spain, France and Belgium at Russia 2018
- Messi and teammates kick-off their quest for honours against Iceland on June 16 before two others against Croatia and Nigeria
Barcelona Argentina’s talisman Lionel Messi is likely to stop playing for the Albiceleste and face club football after the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia.
In the 2016, the four-time FIFA Ballon d'Or winner temporarily stepped away from the Argentina national team and two year later, the 30-year-old is plotting to take a finally bow from the Albiceleste squad after 13 years in the saddle that dates back to 2005.
Messi’s reign with Albiceleste squad has witnessed close shaves at winning laurels that includes Argentina’s 1-2 loss to current World Cup champions Germany during the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil as well as two straight defeats in the Copa America.
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Messi, who is Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer, was adjourned Best Player of 2014 World Cup in Brazil, insists the media in the South American nation have failed to recognise the team’s achievements, and suggests that the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia would likely be his farewell games with the squad.
"I don't know. It will depend how we do, how it ends," Messi said during an interview with Sport, reported by Goal.com.
"The fact we've lost three finals now has led to some complicated moments with the Argentine press due to the differences in seeing what it means to reach a final.
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"It is not easy and (reaching three finals) has to be appreciated. It's true that winning them is important, but getting there is not easy,” noted the Barcelona midfielder, who believes the Albiceleste will face a difficult campaign in their bid to claim a third title at the Mundial.
He also admitted that despite the threat from the likes of Brazil, Germany, Spain, France and Belgium, he remains confident that the Albiceleste have enough talent to hold their own.
"There are a lot of very good players but we also have quality players that any national team would want. We don't envy anyone," the skipper added.
The South Americans kick-off their quest for the 2018 World Cup in Group D against Iceland’s Strákarnir okkar (Our Boys) in Moscow on June 16 before two other fixtures against Croatia’s Blazers and Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
Meanwhile, NAIJ.com previously had reported that Messi has admitted that Frenchman Antoine Griezmann will be of great advantage for Barcelona if the club should sign him this summer.
Last season, Antoine Griezmann was superb for Atletico Madrid helping the Spanish club to win the 2017/18 Europa League title.
Lionel Messi believes his signing would go a long way to helping Barcelona become European champions for the first time since 2015.
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Source: Naija.ng
