Messi: It's 'gratifying' to play last World Cup game in a final

Lionel Messi will get a chance at a fairytale ending after reaffirming that Sunday's final with Argentina will be his last World Cup match.

"I am very happy for finishing my journey in World Cups in a final, to play the last game in a final. That is really very gratifying," the 35-year-old told reporters after Argentina's 3-0 win over Croatia on Tuesday, according to BBC Sport.

"Everything I lived in this World Cup has been emotional, seeing how much it has been enjoyed in Argentina.

"There are a lot of years from this year to the next one. I don't think I will be able to do that. To finish this way is brilliant."

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner announced in October that the 2022 World Cup - his fifth with Argentina - would be his last.

Messi recorded his fifth goal of the World Cup on Sunday to move even with Kylian Mbappe for the tournament lead.

"I hope the people in Argentina enjoy themselves and what we are doing," he added. "They shouldn't doubt we are giving absolutely everything."

The Paris Saint-Germain star previously featured at a World Cup final in 2014 when Argentina fell to Germany in Brazil.

Argentina will take on Morocco or France in the final Sunday.