Argentina captain Lionel Messi has lifted the lid on why he is still playing for the national team after the FIFA World Cup.

Speaking in a post-match reaction following Argentina's 2-0 victory over Australia in China, the 35-year-old disclosed that he still playing for La Albiceleste simply because they won the World Cup.

“To be honest, if we hadn’t been the World Champions… I wouldn’t be in the national team anymore,” the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner said as per quoted by All About Argentina.

Messi was on target yet again for Lionel Scaloni's side, scoring the fastest goal of his career after one minute and nineteen seconds.

German Pezzella added the second as the World champions beat Australia on their China tour.

It was Argentina's first game away from home after their World Cup triumph.

Messi scored the fastest goal of his career today after just one minute and 19 seconds ????

(via @CBSSportsGolazo)pic.twitter.com/ATFvcEBKRz

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 15, 2023