Lionel Messi hints at retirement after matching Cristiano Ronaldo record --[Reported by Umva mag]

Argentina captain Lionel Messi admitted he is close to retiring from international football after matching a record set by rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 37-year-old, a two-time Copa America and one-time World Cup winner, returned to the Argentina side for their World Cup qualifier against Bolivia on Tuesday.

Messi, who had missed the last two camps with an ankle injury, has failed to guarantee he will continue playing with his country until the 2026 World Cup.

But the playmaker’s form would suggest he could go on for some time yet and Messi underlined his continuing brilliance by starring in Argentina’s 6-0 win.

The Inter Miami ace provided two assists and scored a hat-trick as the World Cup winners breezed past Bolivia at the River Plate Stadium.

Amazingly, it was Messi’s tenth hat-trick for Argentina – bringing him level with Ronaldo for the most scored at international level by any player.

But despite Messi’s performance, he admitted he could be nearing the end of his playing career with Argentina after the match.

“It is very nice to play here feeling the affection of the Argentina fans,” Messi said.

“It makes me emotional to listen how they shout my name. We all enjoy this connection with the fans and we love playing at home.”

“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.”

Messi’s hat-trick took his tally for Argentina to 112 goals.

Ronaldo has scored 133 times for Portugal.

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