Lionel Messi could only raise his hands in gratitude as his adoring fans showered him with love and admiration.
Messi’s brilliance was on full display in his homeland of Argentina, where he scored a hat trick and provided two assists in a commanding 6-0 victory over Bolivia during a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night.
This marked Messi’s first match in Argentina in 334 days, and the beloved World Cup champion left fans at Estadio Más Monumental in Buenos Aires with an unforgettable night. They witnessed his 10th hat trick for Argentina and his first game with both multiple goals and assists for the national team.
It was a performance that confirmed Messi’s exceptional form as he prepares for his MLS Cup playoff run with Inter Miami later this month. Yet, it also left fans wondering how much longer they will be able to witness his greatness on the field.
“It’s amazing to be here, to feel the affection of the people. I get emotional when they chant my name,” Messi said after the match. “We all enjoy the connection with the fans, and we love playing in Argentina. We’re happy with the win.”
Messi opened the scoring in the 19th minute and provided both assists before halftime. His last two goals came in rapid succession, in the 84th and 86th minutes. This was his first hat trick since scoring three goals in Argentina’s 7-0 win over Curaçao on March 28, 2023.
The performance was a stunning display from Messi, who has played in seven matches over the past month after returning from a right ankle injury sustained in the Copa America final on July 14, which kept him sidelined for 2 ½ months.
With 110 international goals, Messi now ranks second on the all-time list, surpassing Iran’s Ali Daei (108). Cristiano Ronaldo leads with 133 goals for Portugal, including 10 hat tricks.
At 37, Messi knows he has limited chances left to play in Argentina during his legendary career. He’s under contract with Inter Miami until the end of 2025, and there remains hope that he might play in the 2026 World Cup.
However, Messi isn’t thinking about retirement or the next World Cup just yet.
“I haven’t set a date or a deadline. I just want to enjoy this moment,” Messi said. “I’m more excited than ever to be here and feel the fans’ love because I know these could be my last games.”
Messi celebrated with outstretched arms as the crowd roared after his 19th-minute goal, which he scored by taking advantage of a steal from Lautaro Martinez and placing the ball into the bottom right corner of the net.
He later assisted Martinez with a quick pass on the left side in the 43rd minute and set up Julian Alvarez with a pinpoint cross in extra time (45’+3’) for his second assist.
Former Atlanta United star Thiago Almada also scored (70’) for Argentina, which now leads the Conmebol World Cup qualifying standings with 22 points from 10 matches.
As the match neared its conclusion, Messi capped his remarkable night with two goals in a two-minute span.
Tuesday’s game concluded a travel-heavy week for Messi with the national team. They settled for a 1-1 draw in Venezuela last Thursday after arriving late due to Hurricane Milton, which affected their travel from Miami via Colombia. Messi will return to South Florida on Wednesday to rejoin Inter Miami for their playoff push.
Messi and Inter Miami have already clinched the MLS Supporters’ Shield for having the best record in 2024. A win in their final regular-season game on Saturday against the New England Revolution would set a new MLS record with 74 points.
Inter Miami will begin their MLS Cup Playoff run on Oct. 25, with home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
“This is what motivates me. Being happy and enjoying where I am,” Messi said. “Despite my age, when I’m here, I feel like a kid because I’m so comfortable with this team. As long as I feel good and can perform as I want, we’ll keep enjoying this journey.”
