Former Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has recently made headlines following his excellent performance in Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Bolivia, where he helped secure a resounding 6-0 win.

At the age of 37, Messi scored a hat-trick, marking the tenth of his international career, and also provided two assists. This impressive display took place at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, a venue of great importance to Argentine football.

Messi’s latest achievement, scoring his tenth hat-trick for Argentina, puts him in a remarkable position, tying him with Cristiano Ronaldo for the most hat-tricks scored by any player at international level.

This milestone is a testament to Messi’s longevity and effectiveness on the pitch, further cementing his status as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. His contributions on the field continue to inspire fans and young athletes alike.

Don’t think about retirement

Despite the incredible performance, Messi acknowledged he may be nearing the end of his international career.

When asked about his future in football, he said he had not set a specific timetable or deadline for his retirement.

“I haven’t set a date or deadline for my future yet, I just want to enjoy it all,” said the Barcelona icon, as relayed by Fabrizio Romano.

Instead, Messi emphasized his desire to enjoy the moments he has left, stating that he just wants to enjoy the experience of representing his country.

“It moves me more than ever to be in Argentina and feel the love of the people, because I know these could be my last matches,” he added.

Enjoy the latest from Messi

The love and support of Argentina’s fans has deeply moved Messi, making his time with the national team even more special.

He understands that he may be playing in his last matches, and this awareness adds a layer of emotional significance to every match he participates in.

As he continues to add to his impressive tally, which now stands at 112 goals for Argentina, fans are reminded of Messi’s greatness and the joy he brought to the sport.

With Ronaldo currently holding the record with 133 goals for Portugal, Messi’s pursuit of that milestone adds even more intrigue to his ongoing international journey.