On October 15, Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates scoring his first goal against Bolivia. Reuters/Matias Baglietto
Against Bolivia on Tuesday, Argentina defeated the latter 6-0 in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, with three goals from Lionel Messi, who turned in a magnificent performance.
With that hat-trick, the 37-year-old tied Cristiano Ronaldo’s men’s football record with his tenth international goal.
After an incredible performance at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Messi commented, “It’s really nice to come here, to feel the affection of the people, it moves me how they shout my name
This motivates me. savouring my happiness right now. I feel like a kid here, even though I’m older, since I feel at ease with this team. I’ll continue to love it as long as I’m feeling well and can carry out my desired performance.”
The forward for Inter Miami not only scored three goals but also supplied two assists as the defending world champion won handily.
After 19 minutes, Messi put his country ahead by taking advantage of a defensive blunder. It was Messi who ignited the celebration.
In the 43rd minute, he helped Lautaro Martínez score the second goal by unselfishly setting up the player to tap the ball into an empty net.
Before halftime, Argentina had a chance to increase their lead, and Messi once again produced a magical moment. With a swift free kick, the attacker made an inch-perfect pass to find Julián Álvarez, who managed to handle the ball and bounce it over the advancing goalie.
The second half continued much as before, with Thiago Almada capping off a nice play by the home team in the 69th minute to make it 4-0.
Before the final whistle, the former Barcelona great scored two goals in rapid succession, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
In the first, Messi looked like his usual self as the eight-time Balon d’Or winner ran straight at the Bolivian defence, beating one player and putting a low shot under the custodian. It was a goal that brought back memories of his years of being unstoppable with the Blaugrana.
Messi, though, wasn’t done. The attacker made it 6-0 a few moments later when he scooped up the ball on the edge of the box and curled a left-footed shot into the lower corner of the net.
The Argentina captain had a huge smile on his face as supporters sang his name inside the stadium.
After recovering from an ankle injury, Messi was making just his second appearance for his nation since July.
Despite losing to Colombia in September and drawing with Venezuela last week, the Albiceleste is currently atop the CONMEBOL World Cup qualification standings with 22 points. On November 14, the team’s next qualifier is against Paraguay.
