This Is My Last Chance To Win World Cup – Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi says he is in a “great moment” as he prepares for what is likely to be his final World Cup.

The 35-year-old is playing in his fifth global tournament with Argentina, whose opening game against Saudi Arabia kicks off at 10am GMT on Tuesday.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has never won the World Cup, coming closest when Argentina lost the 2014 final.

Messi said:

“This is probably my last World Cup, my last chance to achieve this great dream that I have.”

The Paris St-Germain forward says he has not made any special physical preparations despite the tournament being played in the middle of the club season, and he feels fit and ready.

“I feel very good physically, I think I’m in a great moment, both personally and physically and I don’t have any problems,” added Messi, who did light training away from his team-mates on Saturday.

“I heard that they said I trained differently. It was because I had a knock but there is nothing strange [happening]. It was just a precaution.”