The PSG talisman overtook Pele by scoring a hat-trick at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires Thursday night.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner further said stories linking him with clubs in Spanish La Liga and other leagues are unverified, warning against “people playing around with his name
Messi was set to sign a new deal with the club, but is now heading for new pastures – possibly Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Citing a source, ESPN said “Messi has taken accepted a significant wage reduction to prolong his stay.”
Messi led Argentina to defeat defending champions Brazil to emerge winner of Copa America 2021.
The Barcelona superstar garnered 174 points in the ranking system deployed by IFFHS.
Messi’s recent feat had broken Pele’s 50-year record of most goals scored for a single club.
