Lionel Messi remains coy on Argentina future: These can be my last games
Lionel Messi has remained coy on his Argentina future after scoring a hat-trick against Bolivia in the South American World Cup qualifiers on October 15, Tuesday.
Messi was in scintillating form as he put the Bolivian side to the sword, bagging his 10th international hat-trick. With this, Messi went level with Cristiano Ronaldo for the most international hat-tricks in history.
Messi was asked after the win over Bolivia if he would be there in time for the 2026 World Cup, where Argentina will be defending their crown. The 37-year-old would give an honest answer saying, as quoted by ESPN, he hasn’t set a deadline for his future and is focussed on enjoying the love he is getting from the fans at the moment.
“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.”
Plan to be with Argentina as long as I can contribute
Messi went on to say that he feels great playing at home as he can lap up the affection from the Argentina fans. The Argentine maestro said that the team enjoys the connection with the fans at the moment.
“It is very nice to play here feeling the affection of the Argentina fans,” Messi said after the game. “It makes me emotional to listen how they shout my name. We all enjoy this connection with the fans and we love playing at home.”
Messi said that he feels like a kid once again being surrounded by younger teammates and would continue playing for the Argentina team if he can maintain that feeling and contribute to the side.
“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].”
Messi and Argentina will be next in action during the November international break.