Messi to "reconsider things" after Qatar World Cup

Lionel Messi has dropped hints he could be ending his international career with Argentina after the 2022 World Cup. (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

Lionel Messi has once again hinted that the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup could be his final international engagement after leading Argentina to a comfortable 3-0 win over Venezuela in the early hours of Sunday.

The former Barcelona star man was coy on his future but hinted that he could be walking away from national team football for good, not for the first time but from all indications, the country might have no choice than to accept his retirement if it does come next winter.

When asked what his next line of action would be after the tournament in December, Messi said he will reconsider his future in football later this year but said it's likely "many things will change" after the World Cup in November and December in Qatar.

"I don't know what I will do after the World Cup. I am thinking about what is coming," Messi said. "After Qatar I will have to reassess many things.''

"It has been a while that I am happy here, since before winning the Copa. I am thankful for all this they make me feel every time I come to Argentina,'' Messi said.

Asked about him continuing with the national team after Qatar, Messi, who turns 35 in June, said: "I don't know, the truth is I don't know. I think about that is coming, which is close, Ecuador (on Tuesday). The preparation matches in June and September.

"Let's hope these go the best way possible. But for sure after the World Cup many things will change."

Messi will rejoin his teammates at PSG for a rebound after a difficult week saw them crash out of the champions league and then lost in the league, he felt the heat as fans booed him and his teammates off the pitch after the final whistle against champions Lille