The Superstar Lionel Messi representing eighth major international final has represented Argentina for long

Messi has helped Argentina reach the showpiece of another major tournament, scoring the killer second goal in the semi-final against Canada. It will be the seventh senior international final of his career, having won each of his last two in 2021 and 2022.

But while the world has been speculating about whether 39-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo will continue to play for Portugal following Euro 2024, a 37-year-old Messi insists he definitely won’t quit just yet.

“As I’ve said before, I intend to continue,” the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said. “I intend to keep living day by day without thinking about what will come in the future or whether I’ll continue or not. It’s something I just live each day. I’m 37 years and only God knows when the end will be.”

Messi won Olympic gold with Argentina in 2008 but endured disappointment after disappointment when it came to the senior side. As a 20-year-old, he was part of the squad that lost in the 2007 Copa America final against fierce rivals Brazil. In 2014, Argentina lost the World Cup final against Germany, while there were then successive final defeats to Chile in 2015 and 2016 Copa Americas.