DOHA: Lionel Messi, the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball winner, has changed his mind about perhaps retiring from international football after declaring the event in Qatar would be his final World Cup.

The 35-year-old led his nation to its third championship on Sunday after defeating France 4-2 in a shootout.
"As the world champion, I want to compete in a few more matches. I was fortunate enough to win every championship I was eligible for; this was the lone exception. I want to travel with this one to Argentina so we can all enjoy it "said Messi, who made history by winning the Golden Boot twice.

With a penalty kick in the 23rd minute, Messi gave Argentina the lead. He later scored in extra time to make it 3-2. As the game entered the shootout, Kylian Mbappe finished off his hat-trick and Messi also scored. After Kylian Mbappe's hat-trick, Messi, who won the Golden Ball eight years prior at Brazil 2014 when Argentina was defeated 1-0 by Germany in the final, twice appeared to be headed for tragedy once more.

But when Kingsley Coman's penalty attempt was saved by Emiliano Martinez, Gonzalo Montiel's game-winning penalty ensured that he won the ultimate trophy in his final World Cup match.

This means that Messi continues to follow in the footsteps of his countryman Diego Maradona, who won the title of tournament player in Argentina's previous victory 36 years ago.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner leaves World Cup soccer having put on one of the most significant match-by-match tournament displays ever, bringing his career total of Player of the Match victories to 11 over five tournaments.
He surpassed the record of four he previously shared with Wesley Sneijder of the Netherlands after his efforts in 2014, winning the award in five games, including all of their previous knockout games and the final.

Messi, Argentina wins the ‘Greatest Ever’ World Cup Final, beat France on Penalties

Neymar stepped into football world inspired by this man

Neymar Jr used to look like this during his early football career