Messi and the future: “I know these could be the last games…”

Statements from the Argentine forward after the rout of Bolivia on the way to the World Cup

Lionel Messi was the hero in Argentina ‘s 6-0 win over Bolivia , with three goals and two assists, and at the end he couldn’t hide his emotion at continuing to represent the Albiceleste , even knowing that the end could be near.

“The truth is that I didn’t set a date or a deadline, I simply wanted to enjoy all of this. It moves me to be here and feel the affection of the people because I know that these could be the last games,” said the 37-year-old Argentina captain, after getting the team ready for the 2026 World Cup.

“Now I just have to finish the season and start the year with a good pre-season. Last year I didn’t have a good pre-season because we had to travel a lot, which is what the club needed, but it wasn’t a good pre-season, I was thinking too much about the World Cup and maybe I took too much care of myself and sometimes that’s worse. I want to finish the year well and start preparing for the year again, taking it step by step and continuing to enjoy it day by day,” he summed up.

Messi: «When I’m here I look like a child because of the stupid things I do»

Although he admitted that his time with the national team could be near, Messi shared his feelings about international matches: “I’m motivated by enjoying this, being happy where I am, being with my teammates. Despite my age, when I’m here I feel like a child because of the stupid things I do because I feel comfortable, as long as I see that I feel good and can help the team as I want, we’ll continue to enjoy it.”