The 2022 FIFA World Cup is likely the last for Paris Saint-Germain’s Lionel Messi. The Argentine forward will be 35-years-old when the tournament begins in Qatar later this year. However, this year is already a challenging one for Messi.
After arriving in the French capital last summer, Messi has struggled to find his scoring boots this season. The 34-year-old has found it difficult in France putting the ball in the back of the net and, against Real Madrid, failed to convert on his penalty kick chance.
Messi, along with most of PSG’s squad, was booed at the Parc de Prince following their UEFA Champions League elimination versus Real Madrid.
As a result, Mario Kempes, a legend of Argentinian football, spoke to Super Deportivo Radio (via Marca) about how Messi’s unhappiness could affect the Argentina national team in the World Cup.
Kempes continued that it doesn’t matter to him what happens with Les Parisiens; his only concern is what occurs with Argentina.
“I see Messi’s face and I see concern. Not only with the PSG shirt. What worries me is seeing that face of Messi thinking about what he can do with the Argentine National Team,” Kempes said.
“Whether he wins or loses with PSG or whether he plays for Barcelona or Real Madrid, I don’t care one bit. The only thing I want from Messi is 200 percent for the Argentine National Team. I want him to arrive in the best shape both mentally and physically.”
