Argentina captain Lionel Messi has confirmed Qatar 2022 will be his final World Cup, after he inspired victory over Croatia to reach the final.

Messi scored one goal and helped set up two more for Julian Alvarez as Argentina won 3-0 last night to give the tournament the final act it has craved.

He said: “I am very happy for finishing my journey in World Cups in a final, to play the last game in a final. That is really very gratifying.

“Everything I lived in this World Cup has been emotional, seeing how much it has been enjoyed in Argentina.

“There are a lot of years from this year to the next one [in 2026]. I don't think I will be able to do that. To finish this way is brilliant."

Messi has won four Champions Leagues, 11 top-flight titles and led Argentina to Copa America glory in 2021, but the World Cup is the one glaring omission.

Argentina were beaten by Germany in the 2014 final in Brazil and Messi, who has moved level with Kylian Mbappe on five goals in the race for the Golden Boot here in Qatar, said: "We are going to do our best, as we have done up until now, so that this time it really happens — we really win it.

"I have been enjoying it the past few years, being with the national side. I am really enjoying everything that is happening to us. To get the Copa America, to reach the World Cup after going 36 games unbeaten, and to finish all that trajectory in a final is just incredible.

"I hope the people in Argentina enjoy themselves and what we are doing. They should not doubt we are giving absolutely everything."