GOALThe Argentine has achieved a remarkable feat by securing three major international titles within three years. However, it is becoming evident that his body is beginning to let him down.
Throughout his playing career, Lionel Messi has consistently showcased a flawless sense of timing. Whether it’s his ability to identify the precise moment to deliver a perfectly-weighted pass to a teammate or his knack for positioning himself perfectly to convert a cut-back from Jordi Alba, Messi’s timing has always been impeccable.
It, thus, came as something of a surprise when he decided against retiring from international football after the 2022 World Cup. Messi had just completed 'The Beautiful Game' in Qatar, removing all doubt over his status as the greatest player in history by inspiring Argentina with one dazzling display of his genius after another. After suffering so much misery with the Albiceleste, he had achieved the happiest of endings.
However, Messi’s journey was far from over. After triumphing in the Copa America and subsequently the World Cup, the weight of expectations had finally been lifted off his shoulders. The man who had been deeply affected by three successive losses in tournament finals with Argentina now found immense joy in playing for the Albiceleste, making him hesitant to retire. Having already achieved the pinnacle of success, he now aimed to relish in it.
"I love football, and what I do," he explained. "I enjoy being part of the national team, the group. I would like to enjoy a couple more matches as a world champion."
He has accomplished much more than just that.
