Argentina forward Lionel Messi has confirmed that he has no plans to appear at another World Cup after Sunday's final in Qatar.

On Tuesday evening, Messi was again the star of the show as La Albiceleste recorded a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia.

After putting his nation ahead from the penalty spot, Messi supplied two assists, the second one of the most thrilling of the tournament as he surged down the flank before providing the cutback for Julian Alvarez's second strike of the contest.

Argentina will now square off against either France or Morocco, who are due to do battle at the Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Whoever prevails from that fixture will then attempt to deny Messi a fairytale end in terms of silverware won during his career, the 35-year-old having secured every other possible accolade for club and country, as well as an individual perspective.

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Messi will turn 39 years of age when the next edition of the World Cup is staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026.

Taking that into consideration, the Paris Saint-Germain attacker has admitted that he is in line to make his last-ever outing at the World Cup at the weekend.

Speaking after Argentina's win over Croatia, as quoted by BBC Sport, Messi said: "I am very happy for finishing my journey in World Cups in a final, to play the last game in a final. That is really very gratifying.

"Everything I lived in this World Cup has been emotional, seeing how much it has been enjoyed in Argentina. There are a lot of years from this year to the next one. I don't think I will be able to do that. To finish this way is brilliant."

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Messi took his total to 96 goals from 171 caps for Argentina in the encounter with Croatia, now sitting 40 strikes clear of second-placed Gabriel Batistuta.

Numerous records have been set by the Barcelona legend in this tournament, becoming Argentina's record goalscorer at World Cups with 11 strikes.

Messi is also the only Argentine player to net in four World Cups, and is one of just six players who has appeared in five editions of the competition.

During this particular tournament, Messi has chipped in with five goals and three assists, and he will be a near-certainty to be named player of the tournament if Argentina lift the Jules Rimet trophy.

Written by
Darren Plant