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Lionel Messi is not quite ready to call time on his glittering international career after helping Argentina to a magical World Cup win on Sunday.
Messi won his first World Cup as Argentina lifted the trophy for the third time as the 35-year-old once again inspired a nation.
The PSG star scored from the spot in the first half and netted againin extra-time before converting his penalty in the 4-2 shootout win over France - one of the greatest finals in the tournament's history.
Messi had indicated during the build-up to the final at Lusail Stadium that the game would be his last on the world stage, but speaking afterwards he told Argentinian TV station TyC Sports: "Obviously I wanted to cap my career with this and I can't ask for anything more.
"What will happen after this? I've managed to win the Copa America and the World Cup almost at the end…
"I love football, it's what I do. I enjoy being in the national team and want to continue by experiencing a few more games as a world champion."
Whether or not "a few more games" will constitute a title defence in four years' time remains to be seen, but head coach Lionel Scaloni is hoping so.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Scaloni said: "First of all, we need to save him a spot for the next World Cup in 2026. If he wants to keep playing, he'll be with us."
Kylian Mbappe's late, quick-fire double had pegged back Scaloni's side after Messi's penalty and Angel Di Maria's strike had put them in control. Messi had put Argentina back ahead in extra-time before Mbappe followed Geoff Hurst into the history books after a final hat-trick before Argentina won on penalties.
Scaloni said: "The match was completely insane. It wasn't in my plans. I didn't envisage to be World Cup winners, but now we are and the most important thing is how we achieved this."
Scaloni's emotions were in stark contrast to those of opposite number Didier Deschamps.
Deschamps, who guided his side to glory in Russia in 2018, said: "Those first 70 minutes or so, we were playing a very aggressive and dynamic opponent and we just weren't up to the same level for a number of reasons.
"But, nevertheless, we managed to come back from the dead and we made a magnificent comeback from what was a very difficult situation.
"I really must congratulate Argentina because they showed great quality, great aggression, experience and some very cunning football out there."
