Lionel Scaloni comments after Lionel Messi hat-trick sum it all up as retirement hint dropped

Lionel Messi continued to leave Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni in awe after the football icon scored a hat-trick against Bolivia. But he did confess these could be his last games.

The 37-year-old is still getting up to speed after recovering from an ankle ligament win against Columbia. is just getting going for Inter Miami again, who won the Eastern Conference and look favourites to win the MLS Cup this year.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner missed the last international window but returned last week in the draw with Venezuela. However, Argentina's second game, a 6-0 win over Bolivia, saw Messi roll back the years with a three-goal, two-assist display.

"He never ceases to amaze me," two-time Copa America and World Cup-winning manager Scaloni said. "At one point I sit down and talk to Pablo (Aimar) and I tell him 'This is wonderful'. Enjoying this, being able to sit on this bench and see the things he does and his team supporting him.

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"It is something wonderful, it never ceases to surprise us. Let him play as long as he can, that is the only thing I ask of him because it is a pleasure to see him and have him on a football pitch.”

Messi is also enjoying himself. “It is very nice to play here feeling the affection of the Argentina fans. It makes me emotional to listen how they shout my name. We all enjoy this connection with the fans and we love playing at home,” Messi said after the game.

The next major tournament will be Argentina's title defence in America, Canada, and Mexico, in 2026. Messi is yet to commit to helping his country attempt to win a second-consecutive World Cup.

"I didn’t set any date or deadline about my future. 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," he said.

It was Messi's 10th hat-trick for Argentina and the first game in a while for his country where he registered multiple goals and assists. "It’s a joy to be present and appreciate this moment. Being surrounded by younger teammates, given my age, makes me feel like a kid again," he continued.

"I find myself doing silly things because I feel so comfortable. As long as I maintain that feeling and can continue contributing to the team, I plan to be here enjoying [the national team]."