Lionel Messi has pronounced that he will retire from international football if La Albiceleste flop at the Russia 2018 World Cup this summer, Sportsillustrated reports.
Argentina qualified for the Russia 2018 World Cup finals in Russia following a turbulent qualifying campaign after finishing third in the CONMEBOL table behind Brazil & Uruguay, only 2 points clear of Chile, who ultimately missed out on reaching the finals.
Messi had one time announced his retirement from international football after losing in the 2016 Copa America final at the hands of Chile, although the Blaugrana superstar reversed his decision soon after.
But at 30, this Russia 2018 World Cup could be Messi's last chance to claim the prize that so devastatingly eluded him in Brazil 4 years prior.
Messi on Youtube spoke to La Cornisa saying: “We feel that, if we won’t win the World Cup in Russia, the only way will be to give up the national team.
“I dream of winning the trophy in Russia. My wish is to live something similar to Brazil 2014. You can do everything OK and fail, like Argentina in Brazil.”
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago
