Lionel Messi says he still feels “like a kid” playing for Argentina after scoring a hat-trick in his country’s 6-0 victory over Bolivia on Tuesday.
The 37-year-old played a role in five of Argentina’s six goals during the World Cup qualifying win at Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires, providing two assists in addition to his hat-trick.
It took Messi’s tally of senior Argentina goals to 112 — a figure bettered only by Cristiano Ronaldo’s 133 for Portugal in men’s international football.
“It’s really nice to come here, to feel the affection of the people,” Messi said.
“This drives me. (I’m) enjoying being happy where I am. Despite my age, when I’m here, I feel like a kid because I’m comfortable with this team. As long as I feel good and can keep performing the way I want, I’ll keep enjoying it.”
Messi gave Argentina the lead after 19 minutes on Tuesday evening, finishing low after Lautaro Martinez had capitalised on a defensive slip to win the ball high up in the Bolivia half.
The Argentina captain then turned provider for Martinez as the hosts doubled their advantage on the stroke of half time, squaring the ball to his team-mate and leaving him with an empty net to roll into.
Argentina added a third in first-half stoppage time through Julian Alvarez after the Atletico Madrid forward had been found by a quick Messi free-kick.
Thiago Almada extended Argentina’s lead mid-way through the second half, before Messi added his side’s fifth and sixth in the space of three minutes to complete the scoring.
The Inter Miami forward found the bottom corner from just inside the penalty area in the 84th minute, and completed his hat-trick in the 86th with another low strike after combining with Nico Paz.
The match was just Messi’s second for Argentina since being forced off with an ankle injury in July’s Copa America final. He returned to club action in September and has scored five goals in six Major League Soccer (MLS) appearances since his comeback.
Tuesday’s victory leaves Argentina top of their World Cup qualifying group with 22 points from 10 games.
Messi had said in 2022 the Qatar World Cup would be his last, but speaking ahead of the 2024 Copa America he did not rule out playing at the 2026 tournament. He will be 38 when the next World Cup, staged in the United States, Mexico and Canada, begins and will turn 39 during the tournament.
Argentina return to action in November against Paraguay.
(Top Photo: Luis Robayo/AFP via Getty Images)
