Lionel Messi Cleverly Lands New Job After He Exploits FIFA Rule in Argentina Game

• Lionel Messi was surprisingly on the bench against Bolivia despite not being named in the match-day squad
• Players who are not involved in a game usually sit in the stands away from other substitutes
• Argentina beat Bolivia 3-0, with Angel Di Maria putting in a show in the skipper's absence

Lionel Messi has blessed us with pleasant moments in football, and thinking he will retire in the next two or three years feels like treason.

Whether it is those mazy runs or curving in free kicks or spotting a pass no one would even do if given a decade, the achievements he has won don't even begin to justify how good he is.

At other times, he can be nasty as well. But hey, no need to provoke Louis Van Gaal today, right?

Bolivian fans must have been sad not to see him play on September 12 in La Paz in a World Cup qualifier. The Argentine had tweaked something in the game against Ecuador and head coach Lionel Scaloni felt no need to risk him.

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However, and rather surprisingly, the Inter Miami star still made the trip to the dreaded high-altitude capital. He even skipped his son's birthday to be with his teammates, as per Rodrigo De Paul. Next time someone tells you men would do anything for football, just believe them.

But that is not the full story. As the World Champions trooped onto the pitch ahead of kick-off, Messi, in all his glory, emerged as well and headed straight to the bench.

Why Messi was on the bench

Just in case you started watching football yesterday, walk with me. A player, who has not been included in the match-day squad is not allowed to sit on the bench alongside other substitutes. The player(s) are often in the stands, watching the game from afar.

So, why was the apple of Antonella Roccuzzo's eye on the bench? First of all, because he is Messi. Sounds like a good enough reason, yes?

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But seriously, as AS reports, Messi filled out a form before the game provided by FIFA listing him as one of the assistant coaches of the game. He even put on different gear from that of his teammates.

Well, the assistant coach was not seen offering his advice actively and widely like his not-so-close friend did a couple of years back as he won the Euros, but his reactions were golden, as Sports Brief reported.

Also, if he ever decides to pursue coaching as a job once he retires, one gets the feeling that if he can replicate his playing career on the sidelines, or even half of it, we might be treated to the Messi show for a couple more years.

And on his debut as an assistant coach, his side made easy work of the home side, winning 3-0. Winning never stops for that little guy - something Chelsea can't relate to. Must be nice being him.