Messi scores hat-trick for Argentina and says games 'could be my last'

Lionel Messi delivered another outstanding performance for Argentina, scoring three goals and providing two assists in South America's World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday night.

After the game, a 6-0 win for Argentina in front of a loud crowd at the Monumental de Nuñez stadium, the 2022 World Cup winner said he was trying to enjoy every moment with the national team and admitted his playing days were over vicinity.

“It's very nice to play here and feel the love of the Argentine fans,” Messi said after the game. “It makes me emotional listening to them call my name. We all enjoy this connection with the fans and we love playing at home.”

When asked about his future and whether he would help Argentina defend their title at the 2026 World Cup, Messi answered cautiously and honestly.

“I have not set a date or deadline for my future,” Messi said. “I just enjoy it all. I’m more emotional than ever and accepting all the love from people because I know these could be my last games.”

The superstar, who missed the two rounds of the competition in September due to a right ankle injury, played from start to finish on Tuesday, adding to his personal history book. It was the first time Messi scored multiple goals and assists in a single game for the national team, and the hat-trick – which gave him 112 career goals – was his 10th, equaling Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo for games with a hat in his Career from trick.

Messi's first goal came after a mistake by a Bolivian defender who missed a pass, allowing the 37-year-old Messi to run free and finish safely in front of goalkeeper Billy Viscarra. Messi set up Lautaro Martínez's goal in the 42nd minute and again delivered a crucial pass to a Julián Álvarez goal in stoppage time.

Argentina appeared to slow their pace after the break but scored again in the 69th minute through Thiago Almada. The striker scored from close range after a low cross from Nahuel Molina.

Messi's show ended with two great goals from the edge of the box, the first in the 84th and the second in the 86th minute, and the joy could be seen on the 37-year-old's face as he celebrated with his teammates.

“It’s a joy to be there 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 keep that feeling and can continue to contribute to the team, I plan to be here and enjoy (the national team).”

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni shared his joy at watching his team's superstar, repeating what he had said all along when asked how long Messi would continue to play for the national team.

“The only thing I ask of him is to keep playing as long as possible,” said Scaloni. “It's a joy to watch him on the football field. He always surprises us.”

The result left the world champions top of the round-robin competition with 22 points after ten games, three points ahead of second-placed Colombia, who had previously beaten Chile 4-0. Uruguay is in third place with 16 points after a goalless draw against Ecuador.

Two more rounds of South American World Cup qualifying will take place in November.

The 2026 World Cup will be the first expanded version of the tournament, with 48 teams across the United States, Canada and Mexico competing for the game's biggest trophy.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this story.