Lionel Messi has hinted that his retirement could be near, despite not setting a specific date, after leading Argentina to a 6-0 win over Bolivia.
The 37-year-old star was instrumental in the Wednesday morning World Cup qualifier victory.
He was involved in five, out of the six goals, including a hat-trick that saw him match Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of ten international hat-tricks.
Messi, who received a standing ovation from the home crowd, admitted that these could be his final matches for Argentina.
Messi equaled Ronaldo’s 10 international hat-trick in the match against Bolivia – Getty image
“I haven’t set a date or deadline,” Messi said in a post-match interview. “I just want to enjoy all of this… but I know these could be my last games.”
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised Messi’s continued brilliance, stating, “Let him play until he can’t go on any longer.”
Messi will now turn his focus back to Inter Miami as they prepare for the MLS play-offs.