Messi netted his 10th hat-trick for Argentina on Tuesday. (REUTERS)
Lionel Messi netted his 10th international hat-trick for the national side on Tuesday night as Argentina routed Bolivia in a 6-0 win in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Making only his second international appearance since recovering from an injury sustained at the Copa America in July, Messi capitalised on a mistake by defender Marcelo Suarez to open the scoring in the 19th minute in front of an adoring home crowd at the Monumental stadium.
“It’s really nice to come here, to feel the affection of the people, it moves me how they shout my name,” the 37-year-old Messi told after the game.
‘Retirement not on mind’
Messi in action with Bolivia’s Gabriel Villamil. (REUTERS/Matias Baglietto)
The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner said he has not put a timeline on his international future as he enjoys contributing for the national side in a lively environment.
“I haven’t set any date or deadline regarding my future, I just want to enjoy all of this. It moves me more than ever to be here and feel the love of the people because I know these could be my last matches.
In case you guys missed…here’s highlights of Lionel Messi vs Bolivia| 3 goals and 2 assists🐐pic.twitter.com/62tO3Pcz3s
— SK10 𓃵🇵🇸 (@SK10_Football) October 16, 2024
“This drives me. Enjoying being happy where I am. Despite my age, when I’m here, I feel like a kid because I’m comfortable with this team. As long as I feel good and can keep performing the way I want, we’ll keep enjoying it,” Messi explained.
The match marked the first time Messi netted a hat-trick and racked up multiple assists for Argentina. Messi’s 10th hat-trick also helped him level his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo on the international stage.
Argentina are top of the standings with 22 points, having returned to winning ways after losing to Colombia last month and drawing with Venezuela last week.
– With AP inputs
