Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero says a World Cup win for Lionel Messi with Argentina would be “a perfect way" to end his international career.
The pair came agonisingly close to lifting the Jules Rimet trophy in 2014 when they lost in extra time to Germany in the final. Argentina bowed out against champions France in the Round of 16 at Russia 2018, Aguero netting a net consolation in a 4-3 defeat.
The country has been drawn alongside Mexico, Poland and Saudi Arabia in Group C ahead of this year’s finals in Qatar. They will be expected to qualify from the group and could face France again in the knock-outs depending where each team finishes.
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This winter’s World Cup may be Messi ’s last hurrah at a finals with the superstar due to be 39 in 2026. It’s a case of now or never for the magician, says Aguero, who puts him ahead of Manchester United ’s Cristiano Ronaldo as the greatest player to ever grace a football pitch.
Speaking to Stake , the City icon said: “This could be Lionel Messi’s last World Cup, so everyone in the country has high hopes. He is the greatest player of all time and a legend in Argentina, but winning the World Cup would be a perfect way to finish for him as an international player.
“Argentina were unbeaten in qualifying and only finished below Brazil, and with Messi in the team anything is possible.” Messi lifted a long-awaited international title last summer as Argentina went the distance in the Copa America.
His 81 goals in 160 caps make him the country’s all time top scorer, with Aguero sitting third with 41. Meanwhile, Aguero said England could pose a “threat” in the race for the crown while identifying France and Argentina’s neighbouring rivals as hot prospects for glory.
He added: “Brazil and France are strong teams and England could be a threat after doing well in the Euros and the last World Cup. It should be an exciting tournament and I’m looking forward to watching how it plays out.”
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