Lionel Messi is unquestionably one of the greatest soccer players to have ever played the game. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Paris Saint-Germain ace racked up his 1000 appearances in professional soccer. His glittering career may be drawing to a close, but Messi still has much to offer the beautiful game. Messi is an Argentina icon, following in the footsteps of the late, great Diego Maradona. Since breaking on to the scene as a teenager at Barcelona in 2004; the little magician has never been out of the limelight. Messi has won just about everything there is to win in world soccer; but the forward has yet to get his hands on the World Cup trophy. Messi’s Argentina takes on France in the 2022 World Cup final in Lusail. Whilst the sides are currently both priced at 9/5 according to the latest Argentina vs France betting odds, many believe that World Cup success is written in the stars for Messi in 2022. At the tender age of 35, the 2022 version is set to be Messi’s final World Cup. Lifting the trophy would be a fitting way to end his World Cup career. However, the PSG man still has a lot to offer to the world of soccer in 2023 and beyond.

World Cup 2022 Status:

In this day and age of advanced technology, player stats are monitored in every way possible. Some players wear a GPS vest under their jersey; which tracks live data and captures their every move on the pitch. Messi’s stats have been sensational for years, and his performances at the 2022 WorldCup have been extremely eye-catching. Before the showpiece final, 35-year-old Messi is the joint top scorer in the competition with five goals to his name. He may not run around like he used to, but his importance to the team remains as strong as ever. Argentina suffered a shock loss to Saudi Arabia in their first World Cup match, but Messi inspired a resurgence, and Argentina regained their usual self-belief to win their last two group games to reach the knockouts as Group C winners. Messi helped himself to goals in the Round of 16, quarter-final and semi-final, as Argentina beat Australia, Netherlands and Croatia. The forward was particularly dazzling in the 3-0 semi-final victory over the Croatians at Lusail Iconic Stadium, scoring from the spot and providing a stunning assist. Messi has won the lot at club level, winning ten titles in Spain, helping Paris to the 2021-22 Ligue 1 championship, and recording four UEFA Champions League final wins. He was a World Cup runner-up with Argentina in Brazil in 2014, but the biggest prize in soccer has eluded the superstar. Messi will be desperate to get his hands on the trophy before hanging up his boots.

Conclusion:

Messi’s performances at the 2022 World Cup have been nothing short of extraordinary, and Argentina’s No. 10 has been a joy to watch in Qatar since game one. Whatever happens from now until Messi decides to call it a day, the Rosario-born star has had a trophy-laden career like no other. Can he sign off World Cup duty by lifting the trophy in Qatar?