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Messi turns 35 as he set sights on World Cup and Champions League success

marca.com, 24 June 2022, 10:03
This winter could be his last World Cup

Lionel Messi turns 35 on Friday, which brings him closer to his inevitable retirement ahead of a season wherein he is facing some enormous challenges with Paris Saint-Germain and Argentina.

The former Barcelona captain will celebrate his birthday in Ibiza, where he is enjoying a family holiday, one which will come to an end shortly, as PSG are facing Nantes on July 31 for the Trophee des Champions.

PSG will play their first friendly game on July 20. It will be part of their preseason tour in Japan, where they will face three local teams in the space of five days.

Given that Messi signed a two-year deal last summer, this could be PSG's last opportunity to compete for the Champions League title with the Argentine star in their squad.

However, Messi's most important challenge in the upcoming season will be nothing other than winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with Argentina.

The Argentine will look to be in top form in November, as well as in March, in his bid to be ready for the World Cup and the Champions League knockout stages, respectively.

His fifth World Cup could be his last, as many expect Messi to retire from the national team after this year's tournament.

The next edition will take place in 2026, when Messi would be 39 years old, but no player has ever featured in six World Cups.

His first participation was back in 2006, when Argentina were knocked out by Germany. Messi's side reached the final in 2014, but they lost to the Germans in Brazil.

The PSG forward has registered 19 World Cup appearances and he aspires to break the record of the most games played set by Lothar Matthaus (25).

After winning the Copa America in Brazil and the Finalissima against Italy at Wembley, Messi wants to lead Argentina to World Cup glory for the first time in his career.

Meanwhile, he has a few more challenges left, such as becoming the World Cup's top scorer, overtaking Cristiano Ronaldo as the Champions League's top scorer and winning the major European trophy with PSG.

Read full version: https://www.marca.com/en/football/psg/2022/06/24/62b58aa5e2704edf778b45a4.html
  • Argentina
  • Barcelona
  • Captain
  • Champions League
  • Ibiza
  • Japan
  • Lionel Messi
  • Messi
  • Nantes
  • Paris Saint Germain
  • Qatar
  • World Cup

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