LONDON – Lionel Messi is unsure if he will continue playing for Argentinabeyond the World Cup.

The 30-year-old briefly stepped away from the Albiceleste in 2016 and isconsidering bringing a permanent close to an international career thatbegan in 2005.

His long stint in the national team has been marked with near missesincluding a defeat to Germany in the 2014 World Cup decider andback-to-back final failures at the Copa America.

Messi, who was named player of the tournament four years ago, believesArgentina’s accomplishments have been undervalued by his country’s media,and says the trip to Russia could be his last.

“I don’t know. It will depend how we do, how it ends,” the star attackertold Sport.

“The fact we’ve lost three finals now has led to some complicated momentswith the Argentine press due to the differences in seeing what it means toreach a final.

“It is not easy and [reaching three finals] has to be appreciated. It’strue that winning them is important, but getting there is not easy.”