‘These could be my last games’, says Lionel Messi as he drops biggest retirement hint yet
LIONEL MESSI has hinted that his international career could be coming to an end.
The Argentina superstar, 37, rolled back the years with a sensational performance for his nation during a 6-0 win over Bolivia in their latest World Cup qualifier.
Messi bagged a hat-trick and set up goals for Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez to have a hand in all but one of the Albiceleste’s six goals.
Fans gave the icon a standing ovation for his efforts as he notched his TENTH international hat-trick – matching rival Cristiano Ronaldo‘s record.
But the Inter Miami star put a dampener on the feel-good mood when he hinted that his international career could be nearing an end.
He said: “The truth is that I haven’t set a date or deadline [to retire], 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.”
However, the former Barcelona and PSG star went on to explain that he is still feeling good on the pitch.
Adding: “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.
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“As long as I see that I feel good and can continue helping the team as I intend, I will continue enjoying it.”
One man that is desperate for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner to stick around is Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni.
He told reporters that he was pleaded with the MLS figurehead to play until his legs give out, admitting watching Messi play stills leaves him in awe.
“At one point [during the Bolivia 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.”
Messi’s remarkable cameo against Bolivia was his first game for the national team since July after missing the last international break with a ligament issue.
Despite struggling with injury this season, Messi has still managed a jaw-dropping 31 goal contributions in just 21 appearances for Inter Miami this term.