Messi coy on Argentina future after stunning performance | OneFootball

Lionel Messi has said he hasn’t set ‘any date’ regarding his retirement from international football but admits he is approaching the end with Argentina.

Messi produced a stunning individual performance as Argentina thrashed Bolivia 6-0 in World Cup qualification, scoring a hat-trick and creating two further goals in Buenos Aires.

The 37-year-old has now scored 112 goals and provided 57 assists in 189 caps for La Albiceleste and has won the World Cup and two Copa America titles during his record-breaking career with the national team. Only Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (133) has ever scored more international goals in men’s football.

Argentina are currently top of South America’s qualification phase after 10 games, with sights set on the 2026 World Cup which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Messi will turn 39 in the summer of that tournament, though has not set any timeline for potential retirement from the national team.

“It’s really nice to come playing here in Argentina, to feel the affection of the people. It moves me how they shout my name,” Messi said after the win over Bolivia, as per Fabrizio Romano.

“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 in Argentina and feel the love of the people because I know these could be my last matches.

“I’m enjoying being happy where I am, this drives me. 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.”

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