Lionel Messi on the remainder of his international future after latest hat-trick for Argentina in the qualifiers.
Lionel Messi scored his 10th hat-trick for Argentina to raise his career total for his country to 112 goals.
At Estadio Monumental, Messi was playing in front of boisterous fans who screamed his name when he scored the first goal in the 19th minute. In the 84th and 86th minutes, Messi added two more goals. Messi is the only man in men’s football history to have scored more goals for his country than Cristiano Ronaldo (133).
When the 37-year-old declined to announce if he would play in the 2026 World Cup, he did, however, recognise that his international career is coming to a close.
“I didn’t set any date or deadline about my future,” Messi said. “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 said his younger teammates help him enjoy football as he approaches 40. “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,” Messi said. “I find myself doing silly things because I feel so comfortable. As long as I maintain that feeling and can continue contributing to the team, I plan to be here enjoying [the national team].”
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said he hopes Messi’s international career continues as long as possible.
“It never ceases to amaze,” Scaloni told reporters. “At one point I sit down with [assistant coach’ Pablo Aimar and tell him that this is wonderful. To be able to be on the bench and see the things he does? The team is with him and what I ask him to do is to play as long as he can.”