“It’s a pleasure to watch him” - Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni shares ‘only thing’ he demands from Lionel Messi following hat-trick against Bolivia

Following Lionel Messi's hat-trick during Argentina's 6-0 win over Bolivia in the World Cup qualifiers, their coach Lionel Scaloni has revealed the one thing that he demands from the icon. Apart from his hat-trick, the 37-year-old bagged two assists on Tuesday (October 15).

Messi received a gift in the 19th minute as a Bolivian defender was dispossessed by Lautaro Martinez. Martinez put Messi one-on-one with the goalkeeper inside the penalty box before the Argentine legend found the back of the net, making the score 1-0.

La Pulga's second goal came in the 84th minute after one of his iconic defense-splitting runs culminated in a right-footed shot that rocketed past the goalkeeper to find the net. Argentina were 5-0 up when he completed his hat-trick. In the 86th minute, a one-two with Nico Paz resulted in Messi getting some space amid the crowded Bolivian defense to unleash a left-footed bullet into the net.

Speaking to the media after the match, Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni said (via Barca Universal on X):

"Messi? The only thing I ask of him is that he plays as long as he can, because it is a pleasure to watch him."

Lionel Messi is in the twilight of his career. However, his form continues to remain strong for both club and country. At the club level, Messi recently led Inter Miami to Supporters' Shield glory with a 3-2 win over Columbus Crew.

After the October international break, the Argentine star will focus on the playoffs to win the MLS Cup with the Herons and add to his record 46 trophies.

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"I just want to enjoy all of this" - Lionel Messi opens up on his future with Argentina after 6-0 win over Bolivia

Speaking to the media after Argentina's 6-0 win over Bolivia in the World Cup qualifiers, Lionel Messi weighed in on his future with the national team. The Inter Miami star said (via Barca Universal on X):

"I haven’t set any date or deadline regarding my future, I just want to enjoy all of this. It moves me more than ever to be here and feel the love of the people because I know these could be my last matches. This drives me. Enjoying being happy where I am. Despite my age, when I'm here, I feel like a kid because I'm comfortable with this team."

Given Lionel Messi's age, fans are eager to know if La Pulga will play in the 2026 World Cup. He has previously mentioned that his decision will depend on how he feels physically and mentally at the time.

Lionel Messi's success with Argentina did not come easy, as he struggled to win silverware with the national team for years. The legendary forward lost three consecutive international finals, including the 2014 World Cup and the 2015 and 2016 Copa America.

After losing the 2016 Copa America final against Chile on penalties, Lionel Messi temporarily decided to retire from international football. However, he changed his mind.

The stars finally aligned for Lionel Messi in the 2021 Copa America, marking his first major international trophy with Argentina. He then led his country to triumph in the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa America. It remains to be seen whether the 2026 World Cup becomes one last dance for the maestro or he hangs his boots before that.