Lionel Messi Makes History as Argentina's All-Time Top Scorer in World Cup Qualifiers, Fuels Speculation on Future World Cup Participation

In an exhilarating match against Peru, Lionel Messi showcased his brilliance by scoring a sensational brace to secure a 2-0 victory for Argentina in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. With these goals, Messi has now become the all-time top scorer in South American World Cup qualifying, surpassing Luis Suarez's record of 29 goals for Uruguay. At the age of 36, Messi has shown no signs of slowing down and continues to prove his importance to the Argentinian national team. His performance against Peru highlights his incredible skill and leadership on the field.

After the game, Messi expressed his belief that this Argentinian team is very close to being the best in history, emphasizing their growth and confidence after winning the World Cup. There have been speculations about Messi's retirement, especially after his victorious campaigns in the World Cup and Copa America. However, Argentina's manager, Lionel Scaloni, dismissed these rumors, urging everyone to appreciate Messi's continued presence in the team. Scaloni expressed his hope that Messi will play for as long as possible, bringing joy to both fans and fellow players alike.

Messi's recent achievement comes at a crucial time for Argentina as they aim to qualify for the next World Cup. The top six teams in South America's 10-team group will secure their spot in the tournament, with the seventh-placed team entering an inter-confederation play-off. Argentina's flawless performance in the qualifiers, winning all four of their matches, puts them in a strong position for the future. While Messi's focus remains on the international stage, he also has commitments with his club team, Inter Miami.

Although the team failed to qualify for the Major League Soccer playoffs this season, Messi, with two more years left on his contract, aims to inspire his team to achieve MLS glory. As Messi continues to break records and excel on the field, the question arises: Will he play in the next World Cup? While only time will tell, the Argentinian superstar's dedication and passion for the game suggest that he may still have a few more World Cups left in him.