Lionel Messi contemplated ending his international career before the 2022 World Cup

The captain of the Argentine national team, Lionel Messi, considered ending his career if he didn't become a World Champion, as he revealed in the Big Time podcast.

Before the 2022 World Cup, Messi contemplated retiring from international football if he didn't win the tournament.

"Becoming world champions was something magical for us, for our families, and for the whole country, and it will stay with us for a lifetime. Of course, I would have left the national team if we hadn't become champions, but luckily, we were successful, and we gifted Argentina another trophy," said Lionel Messi.

It's worth noting that the star forward of Inter Miami, Lionel Messi, also discussed when he might decide to hang up his boots. According to the legendary Argentine, he will retire from professional football as soon as he stops enjoying the game.

At present, the 36-year-old Messi is the leader of Inter Miami in MLS. He has been playing for the club in the USA since the summer of 2023, after his contract with PSG expired. In the current season, the legendary footballer has scored 5 goals and provided 2 assists in 5 matches for Inter Miami in all competitions.