Lionel Messi showcased his extraordinary talent once again, leading Argentina to a commanding 6-0 victory against Bolivia in the South American World Cup qualifiers. The 37-year-old superstar netted a hat trick, bringing his total international goals to 10 hat tricks, equaling the record held by his long-time rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.
During the match at the Monumental de Nuñez Stadium, Messi not only excelled on the pitch but also delighted the fans, who passionately chanted his name, evoking an emotional response from the legendary player.
“It is very nice to play here feeling the affection of the Argentina fans,” Messi remarked. “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.”
As Messi reflects on his illustrious career, he acknowledges the inevitability of its conclusion. When asked about the possibility of participating in the 2026 World Cup in North America, he chose to remain noncommittal, focusing instead on savoring his remaining time in the sport. “I didn’t set any date or deadline about my future,” he stated. “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 remarkable performance not only contributed to Argentina’s qualification efforts but also solidified his status as one of football’s all-time greats, as he continues to leave an indelible mark on the game.