Lionel Messi has insisted he’s still ‘hungry for titles’ despite being ‘a bit older’ as he beat Cristiano Ronaldo to an award this week.
The 37-year-old continues to show age is just a number, playing in Argentina’s clashes against Venezuela and Bolivia over the international break.
Messi has pipped Ronaldo to another honourRex
Messi was involved in five of Argentina’s goals in his country’s 6-0 demolition of Bolivia in their latest World Cup qualifier, scoring a hat-trick and providing assists for Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez.
His goal haul saw him match long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo’s feat of ten hat-tricks for his country.
Now, he’s beaten his foe to win Spanish newspaper Marca’s America Award, which is being dubbed the GOAT award – Greatest Of All Time – by fans on social media.
When accepting his award, the Barcelona legend provided further details on his expectations for the rest of his twilights years.
Messi said at the ceremony, as quoted by Marca: “I am still hungry for titles even though I am a bit older and my family keeps growing.
“I feel their support so I am unstoppable. I love playing football and everything it gives me.
“I have had really bad times with Argentina before achieving what we have done by today but, I think it helped us a lot to become what we are today.”
Ronaldo placed second in the rankings, whilst Brazil legend Pele came third.
Unsurprisingly, Piers Morgan – who facilitated Ronaldo’s bombshell interview on his issues with Manchester United in 2022 – didn’t agree with the newspaper’s decision.
Taking to X, and referring to Diego Maradona, he wrote: “Messi’s not even the greatest Argentinian player of all time.”
Messi produced another fantastic performance in Argentina’s rout against BoliviaGetty
He’s slowly dropping retirement hints, though
Earlier this week, Messi revealed he had not set a ‘date or deadline’ for his retirement, although these could be his ‘last games’ for Argentina.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni, though, stated he encouraged Messi to continue playing for as long as possible.
La Albiceleste are in top spot and three points ahead of Colombia in World Cup qualifying.
Messi will now return to club duty with Inter Miami as they enter the MLS play-offs.
Miami are favourites to win for the first time in their history.
Argentina also drew with Venezuela 1-1 over the international break, with former Manchester City star Nicolas Otamendi scoring for them.
Ex-West Bromwich Albion and Everton star Salomon Rondon bagged for Venezuela.