Lionel Messi delivered another iconic performance on the international stage for Argentina, lifting La Albiceleste to a 6-0 win over Bolivia with a hat-trick and two assists, while also somewhat teasing his retirement from his national team.

It was his first goal for Argentina since the Copa América semi-final victory over Canada and only his second appearance for the team after leaving injured in that tournament’s final against Colombia on 14 July.

With Messi not playing during the September international break, Argentina picked up three points against Chile before falling to Colombia in the CONMEBOL 20206 FIFA World Cup qualifier. However, he started both matches of the October international break in last week’s 1-1 draw against Venezuela and the recent win against Bolivia, which kept Argentina at the top of the CONMEBOL standings.

After the match, the 37-year-old acknowledged that he could very well play the last few games in an Argentina shirt, knowing he is in the twilight of his career.

“I have not set a date or deadline for my future,” he said. “I’m just enjoying it all. I’m more emotional than ever and I’m taking all the love from the people because I know these could be my last matches.”

Messi put on a show for a crowd at the Estadio Mâs Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina, who couldn’t stop chanting his name from the first minute. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was full of appreciation that he could play on home soil for the first time since November 2023.

“It’s really nice to play here and feel the affection of the Argentinian fans. It makes me emotional to hear them shouting my name. We all enjoy this connection with the fans and we love playing at home” , said Messi.

23-year-old Thiago Almada and 24-year-old Julián Alvarez were the other two players to get on the scoresheet for Argentina. Messi noted that having a younger player around makes him feel more comfortable trying to perform different moves and tricks in the final third.

“It’s a pleasure to be present and appreciate this moment,” said the Barcelona legend. “Being around younger teammates, considering my age, I feel like a kid again. I find myself doing crazy things because I feel so comfortable. As long as I maintain that feeling and can continue to contribute to the team, I intend to remain so.” enjoying it here (the Argentina national team).”

Messi returns to the Inter Miami camp ahead of the final matchday of the MLS regular season on Saturday, October 19. Miami can break the MLS single-season points record with a win over New England Revolution and reach a total of 74 points, with Messi the favorite to win the MVP award.

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