Messi will 'reassess many things' after 2022 World Cup

Lionel Messi said he plans to "reassess many things" following the 2022 World Cup but admitted he doesn't know what the future holds following the tournament in Qatar later this year.

After starring in what may have been his final match with Argentina on home soil in Friday's 3-0 win over Venezuela, Messi, who turns 35 in June, hinted that there could be a major announcement regarding his place on the national team after the World Cup.

"I don't know what I will do after the World Cup. I am thinking about what is coming," Messi said, according to the Associated Press. "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."

With Argentina clinching a berth at the World Cup last November, Messi is gearing up to compete on the football's biggest stage for the fifth time in his illustrious career.

Despite enjoying historic success at the club level, Messi and Argentina remained starved for silverware throughout most of his international career, which began in 2005.

But Messi, who left Barcelona to join Paris Saint-Germain last year, finally ended his title drought at the international level last summer, lifting his first major trophy with Argentina after beating Brazil in the 2021 Copa America final.

Messi has five goals in eight qualifying matches ahead of the Argentines' penultimate clash with Ecuador on Tuesday.

"I don't know, the truth is I don't know. I think about what is coming, which is close, Ecuador," Messi said when pressed about his plans for after the World Cup, which kicks off in November and ends in December. "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 has 81 goals in 159 appearances for Argentina.