Tag: Lionel Messi

The legendary Argentine footballer, Lionel Messi delivered a stellar performance, scoring a hat trick as Argentina secured a commanding 6-0 victory over Bolivia in the South American World Cup qualifiers.

The 37-year-old who had three goals and two assists for his side on Tuesday night said he just wanted to enjoy every moment while recognising the end of his career is close.

After the slaughtering of Bolivia, the fans at the Monumental de Nuñez Stadium were enjoying themselves as they chanted Messi’s name, making him emotional.

“It is very nice to play here feeling the affection of the Argentina fans,” the 2022 World Cup winner said.

“It makes me emotional to listen to how they shout my name.

“We all enjoy this connection with the fans and we love playing at home.”

When asked about a possible appearance at the 2026 World Cup in North America, he was discreet with his answer but just wants to enjoy his last days in football.

“I didn’t set any date or deadline about my future,”

“I’m just enjoying all this. I am more emotional than ever and taking all the love from the people because I know these can be my last games.”

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner finished the Tuesday game with his 10th hat trick equaling the record of his rival, Cristiano Ronaldo for the most hattrick at the international level.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi expressed shock on social media following his country’s dramatic 2-1 defeat against Morocco in their opening clash at the 2024 Paris Olympics yesterday.

Argentina were down 2-1 when a massive 15-minute injury time was added at the end of 90 minutes.

Cristian Medina looked to have scored a late equalizer to secure a 2-2 draw for La Albiceleste.

The match was temporarily suspended and after almost two hours, a VAR check confirmed that the goal was ruled out because of offside.

The remaining three-plus minutes were played as players re-emerged in an empty stadium.

The match ended 2-1 win in favour of Morocco, sparking a reaction from Messi on social media.

The Inter Miami captain wrote on his Instagram story:

“Insolito (Spanish).” “Unbelievable (English).”

Messi is currently recovering from an ankle injury he sustained during Argentina’s Copa America triumph over Colombia.

The former Barcelona captain is not part of Argentina’s squad at Olympics.

Janusz Michallik, the former United States international, has urged FIFA to bar every captain who voted for Lionel Messi to win the 2023 FIFA The Best Men’s Player award.

Messi recently took home his second consecutive and third overall prestigious trophy.

The Argentina World Cup winner closely beat Manchester City’s Erling Haaland to the award.

However, Michallik wants national team captains who voted for the Inter Miami forward to be stripped of their voting rights, including the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Luka Modric, and Mohamed Salah.

“Last season was based on the entire year because he played such a vital role for Argentina, not just in winning it but obviously his play alone, we gave it to him. This year, I mean this is just crazy. I mean I couldn’t believe it in a way and I think we are used to this right,” Michallik said (via ESPN FC).

“I didn’t lose any sleep over it but I will tell you what. Everyone that voted for Messi to win it should be barred from voting ever again really because that is just nonsense.”