Lionel Messi says he’s not going to retire from playing for Argentina because he ‘loves what he does’

He said: "I won the Copa America and the World Cup in a short time.

"I love what I do, being in the national team, and I want to continue living a few more games being world champion.

Messi continued: "I am going to take the Cup to Argentina to enjoy it with you.”

The football star added that this is ‘anyone’s childhood dream’ and that he has achieved everything he hoped for in his career thus far.

He said: "It's madness...look how she [the World Cup] is, she's gorgeous. I wanted her so much. I had a vision that this would be the one...she was getting closer."

The 35-year-old scored the opener in the clash against France at the Lusail Stadium in Doha on Sunday (December 18) night.

Messi kicked another stunning goal in extra time, but PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe put France back in contention for the trophy after completing a hattrick in the 3-3 draw.

However, moments later, Argentina prevailed 4-2 in the penalty shoot-out.

Messi, who became the ninth player to win the Champions League, Ballon d'Or and World Cup, sank to his knees in utter shock at the result.

As the stadium went wild, Messi was accosted for a brief moment by a seemingly diehard fan.

However, this fan turned out to be Messi’s mother, Celia Maria, who made the forward stop in his tracks in disbelief.

Sporting the blue and white colours, his mum quickly brought in her son for an emotional embrace as the celebrations ramped up.

He added: “It is the cruellest of ways to lose. But it has to be decided somehow. And the drama is unequivocal. And the scenes of joy on one side compared to the scenes of desperation on the other side. Well, Messi saluted around the globe.

"This is the holy grail. The genius has got the medal he chased for five tournaments.

“Forever this will be the Messi World Cup.”