'Could Be My Last...': Lionel Messi Makes a Gigantic Claim on His Future After Argentina vs Bolivia

Argentina dominated the World Cup Qualifying game against Bolivia with a stunning 6-0 triumph. Lionel Messi was extraordinary with goals in the 19th, 84th, and 86th minutes; Lautaro Martínez, Julián Alvarez, and Thiago Almada all found the net. With 14 shots, 10 on target, and an amazing 73% possession, Argentina proved their might. Argentina confirmed their top place in the rankings with this outstanding victory, thereby displaying their will to qualify for the World Cup. The game was placed in the Estadio Mâs Monumental, therefore attesting to Argentina's exceptional home country form.

Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi: Who is the Real Hattrick Hero in World Football?

Lionel Messi makes a huge statement about his future with Argentina after his hattrick in 6-0 win vs Bolivia 

Lionel Messi spoke movingly after the Argentina vs Bolivia game, thanking the country for hosting him and the love of the supporters. He underlined the emotional effect of hearing his name yelled by the crowd. Messi said on his future that he has not set a certain timetable or deadline, stressing his desire to savour the experience and the love from the fans and noting that these games may maybe be his last. Lionel Messi said: 

“It’s really nice to come playing here in Argentina, to feel the affection of the people… it moves me how they shout my name”.

"I haven’t set any date or deadline regarding my future, I just want to enjoy all of this".

"It moves me more than ever to be in Argentina and feel the love of the people because I know these could be my last matches".

Lionel Messi scored his 10th international hat trick to raise his career total to 112 goals and also had a pair of assists to lead Argentina over Bolivia 6-0 in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

After missing a pair of October qualifiers while recovering from a right ankle injury sustained in the Copa America, Messi played the entire match before raucous fans at Estadio Monumental who chanted his name after he opened the scoring in the 19th minute.

Messi added goals in the 84th and 86th minutes. The 37-year-old is second on the career scoring list behind the 133 of Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

Rival Brazil and under-pressure coach Dorival Júnio got some relief with a convincing performance in a 4-0 home win against Peru.

Argentina leads South American qualifying with 22 points after 10 matches, three points clear of second-place Colombia, who beat Chile 4-0. Uruguay, which earlier had a goalless draw with Ecuador, and Brazil have 16 points each, with the Uruguayans in third place on goal difference.

Ecuador and Paraguay follow with 13 points apiece, with Ecuadorians fifth on goal difference.

The top six teams secure automatic berths in the 2026 World Cup. The seventh-place team, currently Bolivia, will play in an international playoff for a spot in the tournament.

Two more rounds will be played in November.

Messi’s first goal came after a mistake by a Bolivian defender, who missed a pass and allowed Messi to run freely and finish unchallenged in front of goalkeeper Billy Viscarra. Messi assisted on Lautaro Martínez’s 43rd-minute goal and gave a decisive pass once again Julián Álvarez scored in the third minute of first-half stoppage time.

Thiago Almada in the 69th minute off a low cross by Nahuel Molina before Messi had great finishing touches from the edge of the area.

Bolivia, which is seeking to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 30 years, remains in contention with 12 points.

(With AP Inputs)