"I didn't set a date or a deadline": Lionel Messi hints at retirement after hat-trick against Bolivia

Lionel Messi makes a grand return for Argentina as he scored a hat-trick and provided 2 assists against Bolivia this morning, after a lackluster 1-1 game against Venezuela last week.

Messi registered his 10th hat-trick for Argentina as the World Champions defeated Bolivia by 6-0 in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers of the CONMEBOL zone. 

Argentina is currently standing atop the Points Table, with 22 points in 10 matches. It is safe to say that the Albiceleste will surely fly to the USA, Canada, and Mexico to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the defending champions.

The magic of Messi strikes again ✨

He scored a hat-trick and assisted twice in a 6-0 win for Argentina in their World Cup qualifier ⚽🅰️#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/JF3Wgh3cuw

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) October 16, 2024

But the question started floating again, will Lionel Messi play in the 2026 World Cup?

Messi plays for the Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami now, which is why he is familiar with the pitches and the environment of different stadiums in the USA. This is another reason why Messi and Argentina fans do not rule out the possibility of Messi playing the World Cup in the USA in 2026. 

The Argentine Captain did not make it clear yet whether he will play at the next World Cup in 2026, but he hinted at a potential retirement in the post-game interview as he addressed that his current appearances for Argentina could be his 'last matches' and he did not set any deadline. 

Read Also | FIFA World Cup 2026: Teams qualified so far

Lionel Messi in the post-match interview

"It's great to come here, to feel the affection of the people, I'm excited when they shout my name. We all enjoy the connection with the people and we love playing in Argentina. We're happy with the win."

 "I haven't set a date or deadline, I just want to enjoy all of this. I'm more excited than ever to be here and feel the affection of the people, because I know that these could be the last games."

"I hope I achieve my goals to end the year well at the club and then enjoy each day step by step."

"This is what drives me. Enjoying being happy where I am. Despite my age, when I'm here I look like a kid because I feel comfortable with this team. As long as I feel good and can continue to perform as I intend, we'll continue to enjoy it."

(Via Selección Argentina on X)