Scaloni came out with a big mouth to congratulate Messi for scoring a hat-trick against Bolivia

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has heaped praise on Lionel Messi following the team’s 6-0 thrashing of Bolivia on Tuesday. The Inter Miami star netted a hat-trick and provided two assists, prompting Scaloni to declare that he wants Messi to play "until he can't anymore."

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"The only thing I ask of him is to play until he can't anymore, because it's a pleasure to watch him and have him on a football pitch," Scaloni said of Messi, who was making his return to Argentina after nearly a year. "He never ceases to amaze us."

Scaloni Praises Messi, Highlights Team Spirit in Dominant Win Over Bolivia

Scaloni also highlighted the team's overall performance and the passionate support of the home crowd at the Monumental Stadium. He expressed satisfaction with the team's attacking efficiency, particularly the goals scored by Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez.

"It's important, above all, for the strikers to score goals," Scaloni said.

The manager also commented on the debut of Nicolás Paz, a young midfielder from Real Madrid's youth academy. Scaloni was impressed with Paz's performance and believes he has a bright future with the national team.

"He has a very good level," Scaloni said of Paz. "He associates well, he's strong, he's tall, and he has a great head on his shoulders."

Scaloni added that players like Paz are pushing the more experienced members of the squad to maintain a high level of performance."They know that if they give a teammate a chance to play, they might lose their place," he said.

With the victory over Bolivia, Argentina remains top of the South American qualifying table for the 2026 World Cup, with 22 points from 10 matches. They hold a three-point advantage over second-placed Colombia.