Lionel Messi revealed he has not set a ‘date or deadline’ for his retirement, although these could be his ‘last games’ for Argentina.
The 37-year-old was in inspired form during his country’s 6-0 demolition of Bolivia in their latest World Cup qualifier.
Messi produced another fantastic performance in Argentina’s rout against BoliviaGetty
Messi was involved in five of Argentina’s goals on the night, scoring a hat-trick and providing assists for Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez.
And to top off another superb display, Messi’s goal haul saw him match long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo with ten hat-tricks for his country.
His performance was met with a standing ovation from the crowd who chanted his name in unison throughout the game.
“It’s very nice to come here, to feel the affection of the people, it’s exciting when they shout my name,” Messi said in a post-match interview.
“We all enjoy this period that we’re experiencing and the connection with the people. We love being here, playing in Argentina with all these people, and happy about all that and about the win too.”
Asked how much longer he was planning to play, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said: “The truth is that I haven’t set a date or deadline, I just want to enjoy all of this.
“I’m excited to be here and feel the affection of the people because I know that these could be the last games.
“This is what drives me, enjoying this, being happy where I am, being with my teammates.
“Despite my age, when I’m here it seems like I’m a kid because of the stupid things I do because I feel comfortable. As long as I see that I feel good and can continue helping the team as I intend, I will continue enjoying it.”
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni told reporters that he has encouraged Messi to continue playing for as long as possible.
Messi and Ronaldo are now neck and neck with ten hattricks for their respective country’sGetty
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has urged Messi to continue playing for as long as possibleGetty
“At one point [during Tuesday’s game] I sat down next to [assistant coach] Pablo Aimar and I told him, ‘This is wonderful’,” Scaloni said.
“I’m enjoying this, being able to sit on this substitutes’ bench and see the things he does and his team supporting him.
“He [Messi] never ceases to surprise us. Let him play until he can’t go on any longer, that’s the only thing I ask of him because it’s a pleasure to see him and have him on a football pitch.”
Tuesday’s thrashing of Bolivia kept Argentina in top spot and three points ahead of Colombia in World Cup qualifying.
Their only defeat came at the hands of Colombia last month with Messi sidelined through injury.
Messi now turns his attention to club duties and the MLS play-offs with Inter Miami.
Miami are favourites to lift the trophy for the first time in their history after landing their first Supporters Shield.
