‘Written in the Stars’ – Lionel Messi could play the 1000th game of his career in the World Cup final, but PSG must play their part in its fairytale finale

Lionel Messi could play his 1000th career match in the World Cup final in Doha on 18 December.

In a potentially sensational result for the 35-year-old, Messi was expected to play only one of Paris Saint-Germain’s two remaining league games before the World Cup hiatus.

He would also need to be present at all Argentina World Cup matches to have any chance of completing the incredible feat that appears to be his last chance to lift the trophy.

PSG meet fourth-placed Lorient on Sunday in a match that could see Messi leave early for Ligue 1 leaders to bolster his preparations for the World Cup.

According to reports in France, Messi had asked to be excluded from PSG’s home game against Auxerre, but the claims were later denied by Argentina officials.

PSG manager Christophe Galtier was not afraid to jump or rotate his star trio of Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe due to the busy schedule ahead of the World Cup.

While it is entirely possible that Messi could be barred from the capital club’s last game, Galtier could choose to select Messi but keep him as an unused substitute against Auxerre, with PSG the overwhelming favorite for the win.

It would also avoid further media frenzy surrounding the club, as is often the case for the Qatari team.

TalkSPORT’s Andy Goldstein reacted to the possibility that the probably greatest player in the world reaches such an important milestone: “Sometimes it’s just in the air, isn’t it?

Goldstein’s thoughts are certainly shared by many in the world of football, but Messi and his teammates know they have a lot of work ahead of them before he has the opportunity to lift the famous trophy next month.

Argentina start the World Cup against Saudi Arabia before a clash with Mexico followed by a clash with Robert Lewandowski’s Poland.

Lionel Scaloni’s team is the second favorite for the world title behind the bookmaker’s striker Brazil and ahead of the reigning champions of France.

Argentina have not won the World Cup since Diego Maradona took them to glory in 1986, despite losing two finals in 1990 and 2014.

Messi took his first major title with Argentina in 2021 when he won the Copa America and has the opportunity to overcome last year’s success by leading his country to glory in Qatar.