Lionel Messi scores hat-trick for Argentina, says 'this could be my last game'

Lionel Messi scores hat-trick for Argentina, says 'this could be my last game'

Lionel Messi put in another stellar performance for Argentina, scoring three goals and adding two assists in a stunning win over Bolivia in South America's World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night.

After the game, following Argentina's 6-0 win in front of a jubilant crowd at the Monumental de Nunez stadium, the 2022 World Cup winner said he was trying to enjoy every moment with the national team and admitted his playing days are over. 

Lionel Messi scores hat-trick for Argentina, says 'this could be my last game'

When asked about his future and whether he will help Argentina defend their title at the 2026 World Cup, Messi gave a cautious and honest answer.

"I have not set any date or deadline for my future," Messi said. "I am just enjoying it. I am more emotional than ever and taking all the love from people because I know this could be my last game."

The superstar, who missed two rounds of the competition in September due to a right ankle injury, played from start to finish on Tuesday and joined his personal history books in the process. It was the first time Messi scored and assisted multiple goals in the same game for the national team, and the hattrick - which took his tally to 112 career goals - was his 10th, tying him with Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo for the most career games with a hattrick.

Lionel Messi, left, celebrates with Thiago Almada after scoring for Argentina against Bolivia. Getty Images

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 free and finish unchallenged past goalkeeper Billy Vizcarra. Messi assisted Lautaro Martinez's goal in the 42nd minute and delivered another decisive pass in Julian Alvarez's goal in extra time.

Argentina slowed after the break, but Thiago Almada scored again in the 69th minute. The striker scored from close range off Nahuel Molina's low cross.

Messi produced two superb finishing touches from the edge of the box, the first in the 84th minute and the second in the 86th, and the joy was evident on the 37-year-old's face as he celebrated with his teammates.

"It's a pleasure to be present and appreciate this moment. Because of my age, being surrounded by teammates younger than me makes me feel like a kid again," Messi said. "I find myself doing stupid things because I feel so comfortable. As long as I can keep that feeling and contribute to the team, I plan to enjoy it here [at the national team]."

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni shared his team's joy at seeing the superstar back and reiterated what he said when asked how long Messi would stay with the national team.

"The only thing I want for him is that he keeps playing as long as possible," Scaloni said. "It's a joy to watch him on the football field. He never fails to surprise us."

The result leaves the World Cup champions top of the round-robin competition with 22 points after 10 games, three behind second-place Colombia, who earlier beat Chile 4-0. Uruguay are third on 16 points after a goalless draw with Ecuador.

Two more rounds of South American World Cup qualifiers will be played in November.

The 2026 World Cup will be the first expanded edition of the tournament, with 48 teams competing in the United States, Canada and Mexico for the sport's biggest trophy.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this story

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