Never ceases to amaze me’ – Lionel Messi’s ‘wonderful’ display vs Bolivia leaves Lionel Scaloni in awe as Argentina boss makes special request to Inter Miami magician

Messi put in a vintage display in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday, having a hand in all five of his team’s goals in a comprehensive 5-0 win for the defending champions. The 37-year-old admitted after the game he’s “feeling like a kid again” even though he now he’s into his “final games” for the national team.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Inter Miami superstar may be edging closer to retirement but he still remains a cut above and demonstrated his quality yet again on Tuesday. Scaloni will certainly be hoping Messi doesn’t call it a day anytime soon and admitted after the match that his captain never fails to “amaze” him and his staff with the national team.

  WHAT SCALONI SAID

  He told reporters: “He never ceases to amaze me. At one point I sit down and talk to Pablo (Aimar) and I tell him ‘this is wonderful’. Enjoying this, being able to sit on this bench and see the things he does and his team supporting him. It is something wonderful, it never ceases to surprise us. Let him play as long as he can, that is the only thing I ask of him because it is a pleasure to see him and have him on a football pitch.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI

  The win keeps Argentina top of the CONMEBOL qualifying standings, three points clear of Colombia, ahead of November fixtures against Paraguay and Peru. However, it’s not yet known if Messi will play at the 2026 World Cup if, as expected, Argentina qualify. He will be 39 during the expanded tournament which will see 48 teams battle for glory across the United States, Canada and Mexico.