Lionel Messi. What's next for the World-cup winner PSG star?

Since achieving his goal in Qatar, Lionel Messi's future has been subject to widespread speculation. Many fans and analysts wondered whether the superstar would consider changing clubs or retiring from international football. A possible move to his former club Barcelona really kept tongues wagging since Lionel had started performing better at Paris Saint-Germain, a top French club sponsored by HFM.

Recent reports show that the star signed a new contract with PSG, where he's thriving alongside top players like Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. The new contract will see Messi continue to ply his trade at the Ligue 1 club until 2025. He has the option of extending the contract by one year.

In 2021, he moved to PSG after a long, successful stint at FC Barcelona. Messi's decision to extend his stay at the French club comes as a blow to Joan Laporta, Barcelona's current president. Joan openly expressed interest in Messi rejoining the Spanish squad, given the player's rich vein of form at the French club and the world cup triumph. However, Lionel had a run-in with Laporta, leading to his departure from Barcelona.

Major League Soccer's Inter Miami is another club that sought Messi's signature. Overall, it's easy to understand why several teams want to sign him. The Argentine star still has what it takes to help teams win matches and thrive.

International football

When it comes to international football, Lionel Messi indicated his plan to remain active in Argentina colors for as long as possible. Messi played an integral role in La Albiceleste's fairytale run scoring many goals, including two in the scintillating 3-3 draw in the final against a Mbappe-inspired France. His side only subdued the determined French national team in the penalty shootout. He eventually got the Golden Ball for his stellar performance throughout the tournament.

According to Lionel, he needs to extend his international football playing days as a champion. He clearly wants to prolong the winning feeling in Argentine colours after helping his country clinch the world cup title for the third time since 1986.

For Messi, the world cup triumph brings great relief because he was under immense pressure to win a title that eluded him in five appearances at the global showpiece. The talisman gave it his all, given that Qatar 2022 was his last chance to etch his name in the history books. He told journalists that it's crazy how things turned out since he wanted the championship badly. In the end, he produced the magic to attain his lifelong dream, much to the delight of millions of his fans worldwide.

Although Lionel indicated that Qatar 2022 would be his last, La Albiceleste manager Lionel Scaloni maintains that the star could still play at the 2026 edition if he remains in good form and willing to participate. Messi will have turned 39 at that time. Mexico, the United States, and Canada will host the showpiece.

Fairytale run

As one of the world's greatest players, Messi needed to cap his glittering career with a world cup. Now that he achieved that feat, he's soaking up the glory and satisfaction while shifting his attention to club football in Ligue 1.

Memories of a spellbound night in Lusail, Qatar, will linger for a lifetime for Messi, Argentina, and soccer fans worldwide. During the thrilling match, it appeared Les Bleus would deny Lionel a taste of world cup glory. Argentina gave away its lead twice, but the day still belonged to Messi and gang.

The superstar scored twice in regulation time before slotting a crucial goal from the penalty spot when the two teams remained deadlocked at the end of extra time.

When asked how he felt about realizing his lifelong ambition, Lionel said he couldn't ask for more. He also stated that finishing his illustrious career the way he did was impressive. The player says he's still looking forward to participating in the world cup and Copa America.

Lionel Messi expressed a lot of love for playing in Argentine colors. Hence, his decision to hold off quitting international football. Many football fans savored the triumph as the world's greatest player achieved his goal of becoming a world cup winner at the age of 35.

Although Messi missed out on the golden boot, claimed by his teammate Kyllian Mbappe, the Argentine landed the golden ball. Getting the accolade makes him the player of the tournament