Argentina star Leo Messi: The final will be my last game at a World Cup

Lionel Messi says Sunday's World Cup final between Argentina and France or Morocco will be his last in the competition.

Messi is playing at his fifth World Cup and, at the age of 35, says he does not expect to make it to the next one in 2026.

"Yes, Sunday will be my last game at a World Cup," he told Diario Ole after leading Argentina past Croatia 3-0 in the semifinal in Qatar on Tuesday.

"There are a few years until the next one and I don't think I can do another.

"Finishing in this way is the best, my last World Cup game coming in a final. This World Cup has been so emotional, how the fans are behind us, how people are enjoying it back in Argentina."

Messi scored a penalty against Croatia to take his tally in the competition to five and then produced a brilliant run to set up the third goal for Julian Alvarez, who scored two on the night.

The World Cup is the only major trophy lacking from Messi's honours after winning the Copa America with Argentina in 2021.

Argentina will play the winners of Wednesday's semifinal between France and Morocco in the showpiece on Sunday.