Lionel Messi was the hero of the day after scoring three goals and assisting two in Argentina’s 6-0 win over Bolivia in the South American World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday night.
Played at the Monumental de Nuñez Stadium, helped Argentina stay at the top of the qualifying table.
This hat-trick not only secured the win but also brought Messi level with his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, both now with 10 international hat-tricks.
Messi, now 37 years old, hinted that the end of his playing career might be near. After the game, Messi shared his feelings about enjoying these final moments with the national team.
“It is very nice to play here feeling the affection of the Argentina fans,” Messi said. “It makes me emotional to listen to how they shout my name. We all enjoy this connection with the fans, and we love playing at home.”
The Argentine captain, who won the 2022 World Cup with his team, admitted that he is uncertain about how much longer he will continue.
When asked if he plans to play in the 2026 World Cup, Messi was honest: “I didn’t set any date or deadline about my future. I’m just enjoying all this. I am more emotional than ever and taking all the love from the people because I know these can be my last games.”
Messi’s first goal came after a Bolivian defender’s error allowed him to run unchallenged towards the goal, finishing easily past the goalkeeper.
His assists came in the first half, setting up goals for Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez.
Later in the game, Lionel Messi added two more goals from just outside the box, bringing his total international goals to 112.
“It’s a joy to be present and appreciate this moment. Being surrounded by younger teammates, given my age, makes me feel like a kid again.”
He added that as long as he continues to feel this comfortable and can contribute to the team, he will keep playing.
Argentina remains the leader in the round-robin qualifiers with 22 points after 10 matches, three points ahead of second-placed Colombia.
With two more rounds of qualifying in November, Argentina is on track for the expanded 2026 World Cup, which will feature 48 teams competing across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
