Messi scores his 10th Argentina hat-trick but says ‘last games’ are approaching

Lionel Messi netted his 10th hat-trick for Argentina, bringing his total goals for the national team to 112, during a dominant 6-0 victory against Bolivia in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday.

Messi participated in the full match in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Estadio Monumental, who cheered for him after he scored the first goal in the 19th minute. He went on to net two more goals in the 84th and 86th minutes. The only player with more international goals in men's soccer than Messi is Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored 133.

Nevertheless, the 37-year-old admitted that his time on the international stage is drawing to a close, as he declined to confirm if he would participate in the 2026 World Cup.

“I haven't put any specific dates or deadlines on what lies ahead,” Messi shared. “I'm simply embracing the moment. I'm feeling more emotional than I ever have, soaking up all the affection from the fans because I realize these could be among my final matches.”

Messi shared that his younger teammates bring him a renewed sense of joy in football as he nears 40. "It's a pleasure to be here and savor this experience. Being among younger players, especially at my age, makes me feel youthful once more," he expressed. "I catch myself acting playfully because I feel so at ease. As long as I keep that spirit and can still contribute to the team, I intend to stay and enjoy being part of the national team."

Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni expressed his desire for Messi to keep playing at the international level for as long as he can.

“It always surprises me,” Scaloni shared with the press. “There was a moment when I was chatting with my assistant Pablo Aimar, and I expressed how incredible this is. Being on the sidelines and witnessing his performance? The team fully supports him, and all I ask is for him to play for as long as possible.”

On Tuesday, Brazil and their beleaguered coach Dorival Júnior found some solace with a strong display, securing a 4-0 victory at home against Peru.

Argentina tops the South American qualifiers with 22 points after 10 games, holding a three-point advantage over Colombia, who secured a 4-0 victory over Chile. Uruguay, which played to a scoreless tie against Ecuador, and Brazil both have 16 points, but Uruguay is in third place due to a superior goal difference. Ecuador and Paraguay are next, each with 13 points, with Ecuador in fifth place based on goal difference.

The six highest-ranking teams will automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The team in seventh place, which is currently Bolivia, will enter an international playoff for a chance to compete in the larger 48-team tournament.