Don’t make the same mistake as Cristiano, Leo! Argentine legend Messi should end his international career on a high note rather than risk becoming a laughing stock like Ronaldo

Whether it’s knowing the exact split second to make a perfectly timed pass to a teammate or arriving at just the right moment to convert a Jordi Alba pass, Lionel Messi has always demonstrated an impeccable sense of timing throughout his playing career.

So it was a surprise when he decided not to retire from international football after the 2022 World Cup. Messi had just completed “The Beautiful Game” in Qatar, dispelling all doubts about his status as the greatest player in history by inspiring Argentina with one dazzling display after another of his genius. After suffering so much misery with the Albiceleste, he had achieved the happiest ending to his career.

But Messi wasn’t done. Having won a Copa America and then the World Cup, the pressure had finally eased. The man who had been so traumatised by three consecutive tournament final defeats with Argentina was now having so much fun with the Albiceleste that he didn’t want to leave. He had experienced the ultimate moment of glory; now he intended to enjoy it.

“I love football and what I do,” he explained. “I enjoy being part of the national team, of the group. I would like to enjoy a few more games as world champion.”

He has done much more than that.