What is after the afterglow? While celebrating in a country where football is discussed 24 hours a day, Lionel Messi begins to wonder how he continues after having reached the summit of Everest.
Messi continues to play for PSG.
There were warnings for Messi and some hopeful Argentines: “The French won’t do the same to Leo as the Italians did to Diego.”
Diego Maradona only lasted 9 months after scoring a penalty shootout to knock out hosts Italy in the 1990 World Cup semi-finals. In March 1991, he played his last game for Napoli despite being seen as an idol by the fans. All Time.
Messi’s career may not follow the same path as Maradona. He is about to return to the dressing room with his defeat in the 2022 World Cup final, Kylian Mbappe.
The relationship between Messi and Mbappe is not so good. Despite this, the Argentina captain still accepted an offer from PSG, extending his contract until 2024 (the old contract ended at the end of the season).
Messi’s goal after winning the world championship is to conquer the Champions League with PSG, a title that has eluded him for many years.
At the age of 35, the World Cup has given Messi the strength to continue to play at the highest level and dream of more trophies.
Messi will return to be Mbappe’s teammate.
With PSG is the Champions League, and with “La Albiceleste” he looks to Copa America 2024the tournament that Ecuador has just refused to host (South American Football Confederation is contacting to invite the US to organize, before the 2026 World Cup kicks off).
The desire is not over yet
Most likely Messi will not attend the 2026 World Cup, when he is 39 years old, despite Lionel Scaloni convincing him to continue. The man who has brought 5 million people to the streets of Buenos Aires wants to end his adventure with the national team by defending the South American championship title.
After seeing two of his stars reach the World Cup final – with Neymar just minutes away from the semi-final – the PSG owners want to keep their performances going. And Messi excitedly accepted.
After a rough start to France, the Argentinian took some time to adjust and his family now feels comfortable in Paris. They’ve been renovating the house, a sign that he’s looking to the long-term future.
Not long before the World Cup, PSG offered “La Pulga” a one-year contract extension with the option of a second season, until 2025. During his time in Qatar, he accepted, although not officially confirmed.
After the World Cup, Messi wants the Champions League.
The French press does not include Messi in the list of 30 candidates for the 2022 Ballon d’Or, but he does not care about that. The World Cup in Qatar is the answer to his legendary aspirations, drive and values.
Messi is no longer obsessed with achievements but always has goals ahead, he is looking for the fifth Champions League in his career. While at Barca, he had four victories in 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2015.
Barca, through Messi’s friendship with Xavi Hernandez, want him back at Camp Nou. Leo refused to stay at PSG.
The American MLS also wanted Messi, but failed. If he leaves PSG in the future, he wants to choose the club of love and childhood, Newell’s Old Boys, where he trained for many years before coming to Barca’s La Masia.
Messi does not lose motivation after climbing the Everest of football. He aspires to the Champions League right this season.
Ngoc Huy | 14:54 12/22/2022
