- Lionel Messi has confirmed that he wants to win the World Cup before he retires from the national team
- This means Argentina will have to beat Nigeria on Tuesday, June 26, for them to have any chance of reaching the round of 16 at Russia 2018
- But if they fail to beat the Super Eagles, then Lionel Messi will have to wait till the next edition of the World Cup which will be in 2022
Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has stated clearly that he will not hang his international boots with the Argentina national team until he wins the World Cup title.
Lionel Messi has won all the major trophies in his football career at Barcelona, but he has never won the World Cup trophy.
On Sunday, he celebrated his 31st birthday in Russia as him and his teammates at the national team prepare to face Nigeria in their last Group D game at Russia 2018 World Cup.
Argentina must beat the Super Eagles to stand any chance of going through to the last 16 and have to better Iceland's result against Croatia.
"It means so much because for Argentina the World Cup is special and for me too.
"I’ve always had the dream of watching me raise the World Cup. And then seeing the emotion that goes with it.
“My hair stands on end just thinking about that moment. It would make millions of Argentines in the world happy. So we cannot give up on that dream.
“I have won all the most important tournaments but I am ambitious to the end. I would not like to retire from active football without being a world champion with my country.” Lionel Messi explained according to UK Sun.
Should Argentina fail to beat Nigeria, Messi would have to wait until 2022 by the time the next World Cup comes around by which time he will be 35.
Meanwhile, Argentina legend Diego Maradona is said to have demanded to speak with all the players ahead of their match with the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
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Earlier, NAIJ.com had reported how Croatia qualified for the round of 16 at the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia after beating Argentina 3-0 in their second Group D game on Thursday night, June 21.
Argentina went into this game with the hope of them getting a win after drawing their first match against Iceland, but they were embarrassed by Croatia who were superb in this tie.
This is Argentina’s worst defeat at World Cup since 1958 and also their worst start since 1974 as Lionel Messi failed to help his national team.
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Source: Naija.ng