This Lionel Messi Quote After Saudi Arabia Loss Is Fake

Misbar investigated the circulating claim and found it to be fake.

Lionel Messi did not make such a statement following his team’s loss to Saudi Arabia.

Messi Retired From International Football in 2016

Lionel Messi announced that his international career is over at the age of 29 after missing a penalty kick as Argentina lost to Chile in the Copa América final.

"It’s tough, it’s not the time for analysis," he said. "In the dressing room I thought that this is the end for me with the national team, it’s not for me. That’s the way I feel right now, it’s a huge sadness once again and I missed the penalty that was so important."

Only a few months later, Messi declared he would be coming back to play for Argentina, saying he loved the sport "too much."

Messi said, "Many things went through my head the day of the last final and I seriously thought of leaving, but I love this country and this shirt too much." 

"I’m grateful to all the people who wanted me to continue playing with Argentina, hopefully, we can give them something to cheer about soon," he added.

Is the 2022 World Cup Messi’s Last?

Lionel Messi stated ahead of Saudi Arabia's match that he is in great shape physically and mentally, and that he is likely to play in his final World Cup.

"I took care of myself and worked as I have done all my career, knowing that this is a special moment, as this is probably my last World Cup, my last chance to achieve this great dream that I have, that we all have," Messi said.

Argentina’s Loss to Saudi Arabia

The claim came after Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina 2-1.

After losing against the Green Falcons, Argentina's run of 36 straight victories came to an end. 

Since Brazil eliminated them from the Copa América in July 2019, Argentina had not lost a football match.

Despite Argentina's World Cup loss to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, Lionel Messi insisted the team has "no excuses" and will rise to the challenge to win the remaining games.

"There are no excuses. We are going to be more united than ever,’ said Argentina’s talisman after the match," Messi said

Saudi Arabia leads Group C of the 2022 FIFA World Cup after Mexico and Poland drew.

Misbar debunked several misleading claims attributed to Messi during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

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