The moment millions have been waiting for has come. Lionel Messi has lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy as Argentina‘s captain,following a hard-fought shootout win over France at the Qatar 2022 final.
The 35-year-old, who had fallen short in his four previous World Cups, had a campaign to remember. With seven goals in as many games along with three assists, Messi played a pivotal role in his nation’s success.
Many had been speculating about his future after Qatar, considering that he’s not getting any younger. Though he has already achieved the ultimate goal, it doesn’t look like Messi plans to leave the team anytime soon.
Lionel Messi reveals plans with Argentina after Qatar 2022
“It’s crazy that it happened this way. I wanted it very much. I knew that God was going to give it to me. Now it’s time toenjoy it. 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,”Messi said postgame, via Mundo Albiceleste.
Messi later revealed to Gaston Edul of TyC Sports that he intends to continue playing for Argentina despite having already won the World Cup. “I’m not retiring from the national team,” Messi said. “I want to continue playing as a champion.”
Martin O'Donnell is a bilingual sports writer fluent in English and Spanish, currently serving as the Managing Editor of Bolavip. He began his journey with the website in February 2021, making a name for himself through comprehensive coverage of multiple sports, including NFL and soccer, with a specialty in original content and real-time reporting of major events such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, and the Super Bowl. In June 2024, Martin took on the role of Subeditor, where he excelled in overseeing the publication of stories, assisting staff writers, and ensuring content quality. His prior experience includes managing social media for CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana in English and Spanish, as well as reporting on Brazilian football for Sambafoot. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture breaking news, Martin has consistently been a valuable asset to the Bolavip team, especially during crucial sports seasons involving trades, playoffs, and finals. Now, as the Managing Editor since May 2025, Martin brings his extensive experience and keen editorial sense to lead Bolavip’s team, driving the website's growth and ensuring it remains a top source for sports news and analysis with interviews and exclusive content.
