Lionel Messi scored his 10th international hat-trick and contributed to two additional goals as Argentina dominated Bolivia 6-0 in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday.
The Monumental Stadium crowd in Buenos Aires was thrilled as Messi, playing only his second match since his Copa America injury in July, capitalized on a defensive error by Marcelo Suarez to open the scoring in the 19th minute.
Despite several impressive saves from Bolivia’s goalkeeper, Guillermo Viscarra, Argentina doubled their lead in the 43rd minute when Lautaro Martinez converted a quick cross from Messi. Just before halftime, Messi set up Julian Alvarez for Argentina’s third goal, further energizing the home crowd.
In the second half, substitute Thiago Almada extended Argentina’s lead to 4-0 in the 70th minute with a goal assisted by Nahuel Molina. Messi, 37, added to the celebrations near the end by evading two defenders and scoring with a powerful shot, making it 5-0. Just two minutes later, he completed his hat-trick with a left-footed drive, tying Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo for the most hat-tricks in men’s internationals and taking his international goal tally to 112.
With 22 points, Argentina now leads the standings, rebounding from a recent loss to Colombia and a draw against Venezuela.
