Buenos Aires: Lionel Messi said he feels like a kid whenever he plays for the national team after scoring his 10th international hat-trick for Argentina in Tuesday night's 6-0 win over Bolivia in a South American qualifier for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner also registered two assists in addition to his hat-trick in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying win over Bolivia.

No time limit has been set for the future.

After the match, Messi said, 'It feels great to come here and feel the support of the people for us. I am very happy with the way they call my name. We enjoy connecting with all the people and we love playing in Argentina. We are happy with this victory. I have not set any date or deadline for my future, I just want to enjoy it. I am more excited than ever to come here and feel the love of the people, because I know these could be my last games. I hope I achieve my goal of ending the year well at the club and then be able to enjoy every day.'

highest international goalscorer

The 37-year-old also became Argentina's all-time top scorer, scoring 112 goals in 189 matches. His first goal for the senior team came in a friendly against Croatia in Basel on March 1, 2006. According to the Argentina Football website, more than half of his goals for the national team were official (34 in World Cup qualification, 17 in the Copa America, and 13 in the World Cup) and Argentina was the country where he scored the most goals (34).

I am happy where I am

The Argentina captain said, 'This is what motivates me. I like to be happy where I am. Despite my age, I feel like a child when I am here because I feel comfortable with this team. As long as I can continue to perform the way I intend, we will continue to enjoy it.'