Lionel Messi once again delivered a performance for the ages as Argentina cruised to a dominant 6-0 victory over Bolivia in their World Cup qualifying campaign. With a hat trick and two assists, Messi’s brilliance was on full display, reminding fans and pundits alike why he’s considered one of the greatest footballers in history. Yet, as Messi dazzled on the pitch, his post-match comments about retirement cast a shadow over the celebration, suggesting that the football world may soon have to say goodbye to its brightest star.
Messi’s Magic on Full Display
The match, played in front of a raucous crowd at the Monumental de Núñez Stadium in Buenos Aires, was vintage Messi. From the outset, Messi appeared unstoppable, weaving through defenders with ease and orchestrating Argentina’s offense with the kind of grace and vision that only he possesses.
Messi’s first goal came after a mistake from a Bolivian defender, who failed to control a pass, leaving Messi one-on-one with the goalkeeper. The 37-year-old coolly slotted the ball home, giving Argentina an early lead and setting the tone for what would be a long night for Bolivia. But Messi wasn’t done yet.
In the 42nd minute, Messi turned provider, delivering a perfectly weighted pass to Lautaro Martínez, who doubled Argentina’s lead with a powerful finish. Messi’s playmaking abilities continued to shine, as he assisted again in stoppage time, setting up Julián Álvarez for Argentina’s third goal.
In case you guys missed…here’s highlights of Lionel Messi vs Bolivia| 3 goals and 2 assistspic.twitter.com/62tO3Pcz3s
— SK10 (@SK10_Football) October 16, 2024
In the second half, Argentina slowed the pace but still managed to extend their lead, with Thiago Almada netting a goal in the 69th minute. However, it was Messi who put the finishing touches on the rout. In the 84th and 86th minutes, he scored two more spectacular goals from the edge of the box, completing his hat trick and bringing his international goal tally to 112.
Tying Ronaldo’s Hat Trick Record
Messi’s hat trick against Bolivia was the 10th of his international career, tying him with longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo for the most hat tricks in international football. The achievement is a testament to Messi’s longevity and consistency, as he continues to perform at an elite level well into his late 30s.
What made this performance even more special was that it was the first time Messi recorded both multiple goals and multiple assists in a single game for Argentina, a remarkable feat that underscores his all-around contributions to the team.
A Reflection on Retirement
Despite the joy of the victory and the historical significance of his hat trick, Messi’s post-match comments left many fans feeling bittersweet. Speaking candidly to reporters, Messi acknowledged that his time with the national team may be coming to an end.
“I didn’t set any date or deadline about my future,” Messi said. “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.”
The admission struck a chord with football fans around the globe. Messi, who led Argentina to their first World Cup title in 36 years in 2022, has been the face of the national team for nearly two decades. The prospect of him stepping away from international football leaves a void that will be difficult to fill.
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Scaloni’s Plea for Messi to Continue
Argentina’s manager, Lionel Scaloni, echoed the sentiments of millions of fans when asked about Messi’s potential retirement. Scaloni has consistently praised Messi’s leadership and influence on the team, and after the Bolivia match, he once again emphasized how much the team values Messi’s presence.
“The only thing I ask of him is to keep playing as long as he can,” Scaloni said. “It’s a joy to watch him on the soccer field. He never ceases to amaze us.”
Scaloni’s words reflect the collective wish of Argentina and football fans everywhere: that Messi will continue to grace the pitch for as long as possible. His ability to perform at the highest level, even at 37, defies the typical trajectory of professional athletes, and it’s clear that Messi still has plenty to offer the game.
Argentina’s Dominance in World Cup Qualifying
The win over Bolivia was more than just a Messi showcase; it was a statement from Argentina that they remain one of the top footballing nations in the world. The reigning World Cup champions have been in dominant form during the South American World Cup qualifiers, leading the round-robin competition with 22 points from 10 matches, three points clear of second-placed Colombia.
With Messi at the helm, Argentina has shown no signs of slowing down as they prepare to defend their World Cup title in 2026. The team’s depth and balance, highlighted by contributions from young stars like Julián Álvarez and Thiago Almada, bode well for Argentina’s future, regardless of when Messi decides to hang up his boots.
What’s Next for Messi and Argentina?
As Argentina marches on in their World Cup qualifying campaign, the focus will inevitably remain on Messi and his future. The next two rounds of qualifiers in November will likely be closely watched, with fans hoping to see more of Messi’s magic before he potentially steps away from international football.
The 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, looms large on the horizon. While Messi has yet to commit to playing in the tournament, his performance against Bolivia shows that he still has the ability to compete at the highest level. Whether he chooses to continue playing or not, one thing is clear: Messi’s legacy in football is untouchable.
Messi’s Last Hurrah?
For now, Messi remains focused on enjoying every moment with the national team, relishing the support of the fans and the camaraderie with his younger teammates. His performance against Bolivia was a reminder of just how special a player he is, but his candid reflection on retirement suggests that the football world may need to cherish these moments while they last.
As Messi’s journey with Argentina potentially nears its conclusion, fans can only hope that there are still a few more magical nights left in the legend’s storied career.
