LIONEL Messi should make another attempt at winning the World Cup after claiming his first title, head coach of Argentina Lionel Scaloni has said.
Argentina won the Qatar 2022 World Cup last night with a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over France in the final at the Lusail Stadium in Doha after a rollercoaster full-time and extra-time ended 3-3.
Messi scored two of his side’s goals and was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament as Argentina won their first World Cup since Diego Maradona led them to success in Mexico in 1986.
Although Messi will be 39 by the time the next World Cup is held in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico in 2026, Scaloni insists he can still feature.
“Messi should have a place in the next World Cup. If he wants to continue playing, the ’10’ will always be his,” Scaloni told reporters after last night’s big win.
Scaloni, who was in the Argentina squad with Messi at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, added: “I cannot believe that we have suffered so much in a perfect game. Unbelievable, but this team responds to everything.
“I am proud of the work they did. It is an exciting group. With the blows we received today, with the draws, this makes you emotional. I want to tell people to enjoy, it’s a historic moment for our country.”
Messi himself declared that he was not prepared to throw in the towel yet, moments after lifting the coveted trophy.
“No, I’m not going to retire from the Argentina national team,” he told TyC Sports. “I want to continue playing as a champion.
“It’s crazy that it happened this way. I wanted it very much. I knew that God was going to give it to me, I had a feeling that it was going to be this way.
“Now to enjoy. Look at this cup, it’s beautiful. We suffered a lot but we made it. We can’t wait to be in Argentina and to see how crazy it’s going to be. This was the trophy I have wanted all of my life. This was my dream since childhood.”
