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Lionel Messi has said that Argentina’s game against France or Morocco in the World Cup final on Sunday in Qatar will be his last.

Messi led Argentina to a 3-0 win over Croatia in their world cup semi-final on Tuesday. On the weekend, he will try to bring the country its first World Cup title since 1986. This will be his 172nd time playing for his country.

Messi told the Argentine newspaper Diario Deportivo Ole, “I’m very happy to have been able to do this and play my last World Cup game in the final.”

“The next one is many years away, and I don’t think I’ll be able to make it. And to end this way is the best, “The Argentina captain also said this.

The 35-year-old is playing in his fifth World Cup, more than Diego Maradona and Javier Mascherano, who both played in four.

With his fifth goal in Qatar, he also passed Gabriel Batistuta as the Albiceleste player with the most goals at a World Cup. He now has 11 goals, one more than Batistuta.

Lionel Messi said, “The records are nice, but the most important thing is to be able to reach the team goal, which is the most beautiful thing of all.” “After working hard, we’re just one step away, and we’ll do everything we can to make it happen this time.”

Thousands of fans took to the streets in Argentina on Wednesday to celebrate the national team’s sixth trip to the World Cup final.

In the other semifinal, France plays Morocco later on Wednesday.