Haven't set a deadline regarding my future; I want to enjoy it all: Messi

by IANS |

Buenos Aires, Oct 16 (IANS) After scoring his 10th international hat-trick for Argentina on Tuesday night in a 6-0 thrashing over Bolivia in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi said that he feel like a kid whenever he plays for the national team, adding that he has not set a deadline regarding his future.


The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner recorded two assists in addition of his hat-trick in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying win over Bolivia.


"It's great to come here, to feel the affection of the people, I'm moved by the way they shout my name. We all enjoy the connection with the people and we love playing in Argentina. We're happy about the win," said Messi after the game.


"I haven't set a date or deadline regarding my future, I just want to enjoy it all. 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," he added.


The 37-year-old also became Argentina's all-time leading scorer with 112 goals in 189 matches. His first goal in the senior team was in a friendly against Croatia in the Swiss city of Basel on March 1, 2006.


More than half of his goals for the national team were official (34 in World Cup qualification, 17 in Copa América and 13 in the World Cup) and Argentina was the country where he scored the most goals (34), according to Argentina football website.


"This is what motivates me. Enjoying being happy where I am. Despite my age, when I'm here I feel 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," said the Argentine captain.

Latest News
5th T20I: India-Australia clash halted due to severe weather conditions Sat, Nov 08, 2025, 04:16 PM
Abhishek Sharma achieves multiple feats upon completing 1000 T20I runs Sat, Nov 08, 2025, 04:08 PM
Six civilians killed, five injured in Afghanistan in Pakistani military attack Sat, Nov 08, 2025, 03:59 PM
President Murmu departs on six day visit to Angola, Botswana Sat, Nov 08, 2025, 03:56 PM
Pune land deal row: Real picture must be presented before public after probe, says Sharad Pawar Sat, Nov 08, 2025, 03:05 PM
NIA raids 12 locations in Bastar; Deputy CM hails it as a blow to Maoist funding Sat, Nov 08, 2025, 03:00 PM
Nifty Midcap 150, Nifty 50 emerge as top performers in October Sat, Nov 08, 2025, 02:51 PM
India set to emerge as key pillar of a democratic rare-earth network Sat, Nov 08, 2025, 02:46 PM
AIADMK launches statewide booth-level drive to identify 'bogus' voters in electoral rolls Sat, Nov 08, 2025, 02:46 PM
5th T20I: Rinku replaces rested Tilak for India as Australia elect to bowl first Sat, Nov 08, 2025, 02:34 PM
Vote theft: We will launch struggle to protect democracy, says Karnataka CM as he releases papers Sat, Nov 08, 2025, 02:27 PM
Man arrested for repeated sexual assault of 14-year-old daughter at home in Bengal's Usthi Sat, Nov 08, 2025, 02:06 PM
India seeks equitable climate action at CoP30 summit in Brazil Sat, Nov 08, 2025, 01:58 PM
MoS Margherita welcomed by La Paz Mayor in Bolivia, discusses strengthening cooperation Sat, Nov 08, 2025, 01:42 PM
Flight operations at Delhi airport back to normal: DIAL Sat, Nov 08, 2025, 01:42 PM