Lionel Messi explains retirement plans after Argentina win

Lionel Messi has clarified his retirement plans in the wake of Argentina’s incredible victory over Bolivia.

“I haven’t set any date or deadline regarding my future, I just want to enjoy all of this,” Messi said after the 6-0 thrashing.

“It moves me more than ever to be in Argentina and feel the love of the people because I know these could be my last matches.”

Messi offered a bit more hope to anyone who is worried that the GOAT is thinking of retiring any time soon: “As long as I feel good and can keep performing the way I want, we’ll keep enjoying it.”

And, well, if three goals and two assists in a World Cup qualification match is anything to by then Lionel Messi is very much performing the way he wants to. So you can probably expect a lot more Messi in the years to come.

When should Lionel Messi retire?

After years dominating the planet with Barcelona, winning every title in sight and scoring 672 goals in 778 games, Messi was forced out to Paris Saint-Germain because of financial issues. He used PSG to stay in shape for the 2022 World Cup and, after that triumph, he left for the MLS and David Beckham’s Inter Miami.

Contractually, Messi’s deal with Inter Miami runs until 2025 with an option for an additional year. That additional year is the key, as it would take him through 2026.

With Argentina remain course to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, the temptation for Messi to keep going and lead Argentina’s defence of their title must be very real, especially as his years playing in the USA will have left him with a knowledge of the nation and the stadia involved in the tournament.

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And Argentina will surely be there in the USA.

The mega win over Bolivia regains Argentina’s three point lead over Colombia atop the qualification table with 22 points after their rivals had drawn level on 19 points with their own victory over Chile. It also established Messi as the top scorer in qualification with 6 goals, which is ridiculous given his age.

The chance to extend his own record of most games played at a World Cup (26) and become the first man to play at 6 different World Cups are not to be downplayed.

Lionel Messi is already the greatest player to play the game, it would be a delight to see him at another World Cup as long as he can still play at a top level.