Lionel Messi expressed his deep gratitude and emotion after Argentina’s dominant 6-0 win over Bolivia in the South American World Cup qualifiers. The match, held at Monumental Stadium, saw Messi scoring a hat-trick and providing two assists, leading his team to the top of the qualifying charts. Reflecting on the overwhelming support from the fans, Messi said, “It’s great to be here to feel the love of the people. How they pronounce my name moves me.” The stadium was alive with chants of his name and applause throughout the game, a moment that clearly resonated with the Argentine captain.
Messi also opened up about his future, stating that he hasn’t set a specific timeline for when he might retire from international football. He shared, “I haven’t set a date or deadline for my future, I just want to enjoy it all.” Despite nearing the twilight of his career, Messi emphasized that the love and motivation he receives from fans and his team keep him going. He acknowledged that these could be his last appearances for Argentina, but the affection and support from the public push him to continue.
In his post-match interview, Messi spoke about the joy he finds in representing Argentina and how it continues to fuel his performances. “It motivates me more than ever because I know these will be my last races,” he said, hinting at the possibility of retirement but not committing to any immediate decision. He described how being with the national team makes him feel rejuvenated despite his age, saying, “Even though I’m old, when I’m here, I feel like a kid because I’m comfortable in this team.”
In case you guys missed…here's highlights of Lionel Messi vs Bolivia| 3 goals and 2 assists🐐pic.twitter.com/62tO3Pcz3s
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Messi’s passion for the game and love for his country remain undiminished. He concluded by expressing his desire to continue as long as he feels physically and mentally fit. “As long as I feel good and continue to perform the way I want to, we’ll continue to enjoy it,” he said. For now, Messi’s focus is on savoring each moment with Argentina, enjoying the game, and giving everything he has left on the field.