Lionel Messi retirement update as Argentina star makes bold statement after Peru win
Lionel Messi scored twice as Argentina beat Peru 2-0 on Tuesday night
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Lionel Messi believes Argentina are 'very close to being the best team in football history'.
And there also seems to be no chance of the forward quitting the sport any time soon after scoring twice in a 2-0 win over Peru on Tuesday night.
Messi was outstanding for his country, netting his brace in the first half to secure all three points.
After the game, the 36-year-old faced the media and boldly said Argentina were edging 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," the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star said.
"On a game level I think we have grown.
"After winning the World Cup we are confident, very loose, more united and firm.
"Hopefully we can continue to grow."
On social media, he added: "Another important win in Lima to keep adding together. Let's go!!!"
Messi can't go on forever, of course.
At the age of 36 the football icon is approaching the twilight years of his glittering, successful career.
Talk of Messi potentially walking away from the sport has intensified ever since he swapped PSG for Inter Miami back in the summer.
But Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni, speaking prior to his side's win over Peru, insisted the veteran wasn't planning on hanging up his boots just yet.
"Let's keep in mind that he is still here," said Scaloni, who has coaxed the best from Messi during his time in the dugout.
"What a way to think about, 'When he is gone'. The truth is that he is still active, let's leave him alone, are we already retiring him?
"We commit hara-kiri (suicide), we are all crazy."
Scaloni also revealed Argentina weren't concerned about Messi's injury record, with the forward struggling for full fitness in recent times.
"I saw him as if he had not had an injury or a break," continued the former West Ham star.
"It is true that the team has understood him for a while now, he plays in a very marked way that benefits him.
"I hope he plays as long as he can, everyone is happy to see him on the pitch.
"We won’t be affected by his break because we won’t be competing again until March.
"I imagine he will do his pre-season with his team, it is not something that really worries us.
"It was already seen today, without having a lot of minutes like it was said… The most important thing is that he is healthy and that’s the best thing, he is managing his minutes."
Messi now has the most goals in Conmebol World Cup qualifying history after his double against Peru.
Lionel Scaloni isn't worried by Lionel Messi potentially retiring as Argentina cruised to Peru win
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He has now surpassed close friend Luis Suarez, with the pair striking up a strong relationship on and off the pitch during their time at Barcelona.
Messi now has 106 goals at international level, too.
Only Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Iran's Ali Daei have netted more times for their countries.
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