Mashable: Argentina is now ready to face France in the World Cup final.

After playing a key role in Argentina's semi-final victory over Croatia, Lionel Messi announced that the Qatar 2022 final will be his final World Cup match for the team.

Messi, who on Tuesday led Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Croatia in their semi-final, will earn his 172nd cap this weekend when he attempts to lead his country to its first World Cup victory since 1986.

Messi told Argentine media outlet Diario Deportivo Ole that he feels "very happy" to be able to achieve his goal of playing his final match in a World Cup final.

“It’s many years for the next one and I don’t think I’ll be able to do it. And to finish like this, it’s the best,” he added.

Lionel Messi: "On Sunday, I will play my last World Cup match." pic.twitter.com/JPkxMgfTNs

— SPORTbible (@sportbible) December 14, 2022
The 35-year-old is playing in his fifth World Cup, surpassing Javier Mascherano and Diego Maradona's four.

With his fifth goal in Qatar, he also surpassed Gabriel Batistuta to become the Albiceleste's leading World Cup scorer with 11 goals.

Messi further added, “It’s all well and good (the records), but the important thing is to be able to achieve the group objective, which is the most beautiful thing of all. We’re just one step away, after fighting hard, and we’re going to give everything to try to make it happen this time.”

To commemorate Argentina's sixth appearance in the World Cup final and the team's victory on Tuesday, thousands of fans flooded the country's streets.

Now, Argentina is ready to face France in the World Cup final as the latter beat Morocco in the semi-final.