There are many reasons not to watch the 2022 World Cup matches. But now there is at least one more to follow: The tournament in Qatar will be Lionel Messi's last World Cup.

The superstar confirmed to Argentinian media on Thursday that the World Cup in Qatar will be his fifth and final participation. "It will definitely be like that," he confirmed in an interview with Star Argentina.

La Pulga, who has scooped up just about every possible trophy in his career, is just missing that big title in his showcase - will he finally be able to complete his collection this year? "I feel physically good, I was able to prepare very well this year, which I didn't do last year due to the way things were going," he at least once sent a warning to the competition.

"We're taking part at a good time with a strong group, but anything can happen at a World Cup," said the left-footed player. "Every game is difficult, which is why it's a special competition: the favorites don't always win."

Messi explained that Argentina is of course always a candidate to win the World Cup - "because of the history, because of what it represents. But we're not the only ones, I think there are other top teams."

The gauchos have won two World Cups in total, most recently in 1986. Can Messi give his nation a third title at his last finals?

This article was originally published on 90min.de as Messi confirmed: "World Cup in Qatar will be my last".