Sport
Messi Hints at Retirement After Hat-Trick Against Bolivia
Lionel Messi, the legendary captain of Argentina, has acknowledged that he may be nearing the end of his international career after delivering a masterclass performance in a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Bolivia.
On Tuesday night, Messi dazzled fans at the Monumental de Núñez Stadium, scoring a hat-trick and assisting two more goals as Argentina crushed Bolivia 6-0.
The win was yet another statement of Argentina’s dominance under the leadership of the man who led them to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022.
After the match, Messi reflected on his journey with the national team, admitting that he is soaking in every moment with the awareness that these might be his final appearances for Argentina.
“It’s wonderful to play here, surrounded by the affection of our supporters,” Messi said.
He added that hearing the fans chant his name fills him with emotion, reinforcing the special bond he shares with the Argentine people.
Despite his brilliant performance, the 36-year-old Inter Miami star was candid about his future.
When asked whether he would play in the 2026 World Cup, Messi didn’t provide a definitive answer but left the door open for a possible farewell.
“I haven’t set any specific date or deadline for my future,” he explained. “I’m just enjoying every bit of this experience.
I’m more emotional than ever and I’m feeling all the love from the people because I know these could be my last games.”
Messi’s comments have ignited speculation about whether the iconic forward, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, will be part of the 2026 World Cup squad.
Having already cemented his place as a national hero after leading Argentina to their third World Cup title in 2022, his retirement from international football would mark the end of an era.
However, Messi seems focused on embracing every moment and cherishing the connection with his fans.
His journey with the Argentina national team has been filled with both triumph and heartbreak, from the disappointments of losing multiple Copa América finals to the pinnacle of winning the World Cup.
Messi’s emotional bond with Argentina’s passionate fan base has only deepened over time, and with each passing game, fans across the world are left wondering how many more times they’ll get to witness Messi’s magic in an Argentina jersey.
As Argentina looks ahead to more qualifiers on the road to the 2026 World Cup, all eyes will be on Messi.
Whether or not he continues beyond this cycle, his impact on the national team and the sport will remain unforgettable.
For now, Messi is enjoying the ride, leaving fans to savor each remaining moment of his extraordinary career.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is not at risk of being sacked despite their 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final on Wednesday. Sky Sports reports that the club still sees Amorim as a key part of their long-term plans.
Even though United missed out on an automatic Champions League spot, the defeat won’t affect their faith in the 40-year-old coach. After the match in Bilbao, Amorim said he would step down immediately without asking for compensation if both the club’s board and fans no longer supported him.
Amorim took over from Erik ten Hag in November when United were 13th in the league. Since then, the team has slipped three more places, hovering just above the relegation zone. They have also been knocked out of all three cup competitions this season.
Lionel Messi has revealed the goal he holds dearest out of the hundreds he’s scored in his legendary career. The Inter Miami forward, now 38, picked his header against Manchester United in the 2009 UEFA Champions League final as his personal favorite.
Messi, who has found the net over 800 times while playing for Argentina, Barcelona, PSG, and now Inter Miami, said that despite scoring more beautiful and important goals, the one in Rome stands out for him. “That header in the Champions League final has always been my favorite,” he said.
The goal, which came as Barcelona’s second in their 2-0 win over United, saw a much shorter Messi rise above Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic to beat goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar. The moment not only sealed a memorable win for Barça but also helped Messi secure his first Champions League trophy with the Spanish giants. It’s now considered one of the most unforgettable goals in the tournament’s history.
Ademola Lookman is expected to play his last match for Atalanta this Sunday. The Italian club will face Parma in their final game of the 2024/25 season at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo. Reports from Gazzetta dello Sport say Atalanta are open to offers for the Nigerian winger, who joined the team from RB Leipzig in 2022.
The club is said to be willing to sell Lookman for around €40 million. This season, Lookman has been impressive, scoring 20 goals and assisting seven times in 39 appearances across all competitions.
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