Lionel Messi said he had not set a "date or deadline" for his retirement after leading Argentina to a 6-0 demolition of Bolivia in their World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.
The 37-year-old scored the 10th hat-trick of his international career and also provided two assists in a vintage display at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
"It's very nice to come here, to feel the affection of the people, it's exciting when they shout my name," Messi said after the match. "We all enjoy this period that we're experiencing and the connection with the people. We love being here, playing in Argentina with all these people, and happy about all that and about the win too."
When asked how much longer he intended to play, Messi replied: "The truth is that I haven't set a date or deadline, I just want to enjoy all of this. I'm excited to be here and feel the affection of the people because I know that these could be the last games.
"This is what drives me, enjoying this, being happy where I am, being with my teammates, despite my age when I'm here it seems like I'm a kid because of the stupid things I do because I feel comfortable, as long as I see that I feel good and can continue helping the team as I intend, I will continue enjoying it."
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni revealed after the match that he had urged Messi to continue playing for as long as possible.
"At one point [during Tuesday's game] I sat down next to [assistant coach] Pablo Aimar and I told him, 'This is wonderful'. I'm enjoying this, being able to sit on this substitutes' bench and see the things he does and his team supporting him,” Scaloni said.
"He [Messi] never ceases to surprise us. Let him play until he can't go on any longer, that's the only thing I ask of him because it's a pleasure to see him and have him on a football pitch." (Xinhua)
Comments