With FIFA World Cup 2022 final kickoff minutes away, South American juggernauts Argentina and reigning champions France are set to lock horns. Argentina forward and captain Lionel Messi is on top of his form, and coach Scaloni's men are looking to avenging the loss against France in the Round of 16 of the 2018 World Cup, while France aim to defend the title and become only the third team to lift World Cup for straight two times.
Messi is also a potential contender for the Golden Boot, Golden Ball and Ballon d'Or as the nimble-footed Argentine is involved in eight goals — scoring five goals laced with eight assists. The 35-year-old left-footed forward has confirmed that this will be his last appearance in the World Cup.
But this is not the first time he announced his retirement. Messi had earlier retired once in 2016, after facing defeat at the hands of Chile in the 2015 Copa America.
The reason behind his retirement was that he was devastated that he missed a penalty shootout, which led to Argentina losing to Chile. Besides, Copa America final it was also the frustration that the Argentines lost to Germany in the 2014 World Cup final and 2015 Copa America Centenario that he eventually took the decision to retire from the national side. "For me, the national team is over," he had said then.
After his announcement, there was a huge outpour on social media and also hundreds of fans held banners that read "Don't go Messi" when the team reached the airport in Buenos Aires. Argentina legend Diego Maradona had then met Messi, especially to advise him to come out of his retirement. Messi's teammates also wanted him back in the national jersey. But Messi was so devastated that he couldn't take his decision even after all that support.
However, a couple of weeks after his announcement of retirement from national duty, he did take a U-turn. After coming back, he said it was his love for the country that made him take the decision.