Lionel Messi delivered a remarkable performance, scoring a hat-trick and contributing to two more goals as Argentina dominated Bolivia with a 6-0 victory in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The game, played at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, saw Messi dazzle in front of an enthusiastic home crowd. This marked his 10th international hat-trick and was just his second appearance for Argentina since recovering from an injury he suffered during the Copa America in July.
Messi’s first goal came in the 19th minute after he capitalized on a defensive error by Bolivia’s Marcelo Suarez. Bolivia’s goalkeeper, Guillermo Viscarra, made a number of solid saves in an effort to keep his team in the match. However, he was unable to stop Argentina’s second goal in the 43rd minute, when Lautaro Martinez connected with a quick cross from Messi to extend the lead. Just before halftime, Messi assisted again, setting up Julian Alvarez to score Argentina’s third, making it 3-0 at the break.
In the second half, Argentina continued to control the game with confidence. Nicolas Otamendi thought he had added to the scoreline, but his goal was ruled offside. Despite the setback, Argentina didn’t lose their rhythm, and Thiago Almada, who came off the bench, netted the fourth goal after receiving a pass from Nahuel Molina in the 70th minute. The home crowd erupted into celebration as the team transformed the match into a showcase of their dominance.
Messi, now 37 years old, still had more magic left for the closing stages of the game. In the final minutes, he skillfully beat two Bolivian defenders and blasted a powerful shot past Viscarra, bringing his personal tally to two goals for the night. Just two minutes later, he sealed his hat-trick, scoring with a precision left-footed strike, tying him with Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo for the most international hat-tricks in men’s football. This performance also increased Messi’s total international goals to 112, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in football history.
After the match, Messi shared his thoughts with the press, expressing his deep connection to playing for Argentina. “It’s always wonderful to come here and feel the love from the people. It touches me how they chant my name. This motivates me,” Messi said. He also reflected on how he continues to enjoy playing despite his age, adding, “Even at my age, being with this team makes me feel like a kid again. As long as I feel good and can perform the way I want, I will keep enjoying every moment.”
Argentina Crush Bolivia 6-0 in World Cup Qualifier as Messi Shines
Argentina’s dominant win places them firmly at the top of the South American World Cup qualifying standings with 22 points. This result was a much-needed return to form after their recent defeat to Colombia and a draw with Venezuela. With the 2026 World Cup set to be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Argentina is well-positioned to secure their place in the tournament and continue their pursuit of global glory.
Lionel Messi delivered a masterful performance, scoring a hat-trick and assisting in two more goals as Argentina cruised to a resounding 6-0 victory over Bolivia in their South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The match, held in Buenos Aires at the iconic Monumental stadium, was a spectacle of attacking football, with Messi at the heart of everything. The home crowd, buzzing with excitement, witnessed the Argentine legend put on a clinic in his 10th international hat-trick, a display that reinforced his status as one of the greatest players in football history. This game also marked Messi’s second international appearance since returning from an injury sustained during the Copa America in July.
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