Lionel Messi acknowledged that he might be playing the "last games" of his career after he scored a hat-trick in Argentina's 6-0 win over Bolivia.
Messi was left frustrated after Thursday's 1-1 away draw against Venezuela, lamenting a "very difficult" pitch following the heavy rain in Maturin.
However, the Inter Miami forward was in much better spirits after playing a starring role in Tuesday's dominant win over Bolivia in 2026 World Cup qualifying.
Messi required just 19 minutes to break the deadlock in Buenos Aires, slotting the ball in at the near post after Bolivia lost possession in their own half.
The 37-year-old then provided assists for Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez, ensuring the world champions took a three-goal lead into the break.
MESSI! 🙌
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) October 16, 2024
The little magician does it again for Argentina as he opens the scoring against Bolivia 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/Ed3aVfhfl6
Messi drops retirement hint
Thiago Almada went on to add a fourth, before Messi scored his second in the 84th minute when chopped the ball onto his right foot and drove a low strike through Guillermo Viscarra's defences.
Just two minutes later, the former Barcelona star exchanged a neat one-two with Nico Paz before he picked out the bottom corner with a superb left-foot strike.
After netting his 10th international hat-trick, Messi refused to state whether he would play for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, admitting that his "last games" are approaching.
"I didn't set any date or deadline about my future," Messi told reporters. "I'm just enjoying all this. I am more emotional than ever and taking all the love from the people because I know these can be my last games."
IT'S A HAT-TRICK! 🤯
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) October 16, 2024
Messi can't be stopped! What a performance 🙌 pic.twitter.com/mzxyoDdVFk
How are Messi's younger teammates playing a key role?
While he was reluctant to make any promises of his future, Messi revealed that his younger teammates are helping him enjoy football in the latter stages of his career.
"It's a joy to be present and appreciate this moment," Messi added. "Being surrounded by younger teammates, given my age, makes me feel like a kid again.
"I find myself doing silly things because I feel so comfortable. As long as I maintain that feeling and can continue contributing to the team, I plan to be here enjoying [the national team]."
Messi's impressive display moved Argentina onto 22 points, leaving them three points clear at the top of the CONMEBOL standings.
Buoyed by his hat-trick, Messi will now return to Inter Miami ahead of Saturday's clash against the New England Revolution on the final matchday of the regular MLS season.
No Data Analysis info
Argentina
Colombia
Uruguay
Ecuador
Brazil
Paraguay
Bolivia
Venezuela
Peru
Chile