The 34-year-old was instrumental in his
side’s 3-0 win over Venezuela in a World Cup qualifier on Friday.
Messi netted Argentina’s third goal of the
match, taking the ball on his chest following PSG teammate Angel Di Maria’s
cross, before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez.
Before the clash, manager Lionel Scaloni
suggested it could be the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s last game in his
homeland before his retirement.
“Tomorrow he has the opportunity to play in
his country, with his people”, Scaloni told reporters during a press conference
on Thursday.
“Surely the last match we could play here
(before the World Cup) and he can say goodbye to Argentina in the best way and
hope that the future is even better.”
Messi himself added to the speculation
after the game, suggesting he will consider his international career after the
World Cup, which takes place in eight months time.
He said: “I don’t know what I will do after
the World Cup. I am thinking about what is coming. After Qatar, I will have to
reassess many things.”
Asked whether he will play on with
Argentina, Messi added: “I don’t know, the truth is I don’t know.
“I think about that is coming, which is
close, Ecuador (on Tuesday). The preparation matches in June and September.
“Let’s hope these go the best way possible.
But for sure after the World Cup many things will change.”
Messi has failed hit the ground running at
PSG since his move from Barcelona.
The Barca legend was booed off by PSG fans
in their recent 3-0 Ligue 1 defeat to Bordeaux, and couldn’t help his side get
past Real Madrid in the Champions League as the Parisians crashed out.
Messi’s contract runs until June 2023, and
there is no incline as to whether or not he will remain at the Parc des
Princes.
Di Maria, meanwhile, appeared to announce
his upcoming retirement from international football after a trademark goal on
Friday.
In an Instagram post, he said: “I’m just
going to say thank you for the enormous love received.
“I always dreamed of everything I lived on
this beautiful night.
“It was probably my last match with this
shirt in Argentina. And being able to say that it was a wonderful night is an
understatement.
“Thank you, thank you and a thousand times
thank you. Now if to congratulate the whole team for the incredible match that
was played.
“A perfect match of all. To continue
growing and dreaming together. Let’s go Argentina!!”
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