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Lionel Messi believes Argentina are ‘very close to becoming the best team in football history’.
And after scoring twice in the 2-0 win over Peru on Tuesday night, there is no chance of the forward leaving the game any time soon.
Messi performed excellently for his country and scored two goals in the first half to secure all three points.
After the game, the 36-year-old player faced the media and boldly said that Argentina is getting closer to becoming the best team in football history.
“This team is incredible, every time they play they are very close to being the best in history,” said the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star.
“On a sporting level I think we have evolved.
“After winning the World Cup we are confident, much looser, more united and determined.
“Hopefully we can continue to move forward.”
On social media, he said: “Another important win in Lima, stay tuned. Let’s go!!!”
Of course, Messi can’t go on forever.
At the age of 36, the football icon is reaching the final stages of an illustrious, successful career.
Talk of Messi potentially walking away from the game has intensified since he swapped PSG for Inter Miami in the summer.
But Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni, speaking ahead of his side’s win over Peru, insisted the veteran is not planning to retire just yet.
“Let’s keep in mind that he’s still here,” said Scaloni, who got the best of Messi during his time in the dugout.
“What a way to think, ‘When he’s gone’. The truth is he’s still active, let’s leave him alone, are we already retiring him?
“We commit hara-kiri (suicide), we are all crazy.”
Scaloni also revealed that Argentina were not concerned about Messi’s injury record, with the forward struggling to return to full fitness in recent days.
The former West Ham star added: “I looked at him as if he had no injuries or breaks.”
“The fact that the team has been understanding him for some time now, he plays very well, which is an advantage.
“I hope he plays as long as he can, everyone will be happy to see him on the field.
“We will not be affected by their break as we will not compete again until March.
“I think he will play pre-season with his team, it’s not something that really worries us.
“It has already been seen today, as was said, without spending too many minutes… The most important thing is that he is healthy and the best thing is that he is managing his minutes.”
After scoring twice against Peru, Messi now has the most goals in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying history.
Lionel Scaloni not worried about Lionel Messi potentially retiring as Argentina cruise to victory over Peru
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He is now joined by his close friend Luis Suarez, with the pair having forged a strong relationship on and off the field during their time at Barcelona.
Messi now has 106 goals in his name at the international level as well.
Only Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Iran’s Ali Daei have scored more times for their countries.
