xtroopersArgentina defeated Bolivia 6-0 in World Cup qualifying, with Lionel Messi scoring his tenth hat-trick for his country.
After the game, a 6-0 win for Argentina in front of a raucous crowd at the Monumental de Nuñez Stadium, the 2022 World Cup winner said he is trying to savor every moment with the national team and acknowledged the end of his playing days is near.
After the match, Messi remarked, “It is very nice to play here feeling the affection of the Argentina fans.”
“I get emotional when I hear them yell my name. We all love playing at home and interacting with the fans.”
Messi was circumspect and straightforward in his response when asked about his future and whether he will support Argentina in defending their championship at the 2026 World Cup.
“I didn’t set any date or deadline about my future,” Messi stated. “I’m simply taking in everything. I am soaking up all the love from everyone and am more emotional than ever because I know that these games may be my last.”
The superstar, who missed the two rounds of the competition in September because of a right ankle injury, played from start to finish Tuesday and added to his personal history book in the process. It was the first time Messi recorded multiple goals and assists in a single game for the national team, and the hat trick — taking him to 112 international goals — was his 10th, tying him with Portugal‘s Cristiano Ronaldo for career games with a hat trick.
Messi’s first goal came after a mistake by a Bolivian defender, who missed a pass and allowed the 37-year-old Messi to run freely and finish unchallenged in front of goalkeeper Billy Viscarra. Messi assisted on Lautaro Martínez‘s goal in the 42th minute and gave a decisive pass once again in added time on a goal by Julián Álvarez.
Argentina appeared to slow its pace after the break but scored again through Thiago Almada in the 69th minute. The striker scored from close range after a low cross by Nahuel Molina.
Two excellent finishing touches from the edge of the box highlighted Messi’s performance; the first came in the 84th and the second in the 86th minute, and the 37-year-old’s teammates could see the delight on his face as they celebrated.
“To be here and enjoy this moment is a pleasure. Considering my age, being among younger colleagues makes me feel like a child again,” Messi remarked. I often catch myself acting irrationally because I’m so at ease. I’m going to be here supporting [the national team] as long as I can hold onto that feeling and keep adding to the group.”
When asked how long Messi will play for the national team, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni expressed his excitement at seeing his country’s superstar and restated his previous comments.
“The only thing I ask of him is to keep playing as long as he can,” Scaloni stated. Observing him play soccer is a pleasure. He never fails to astound us.”
Two more rounds of South American World Cup qualifying will be played in November.
