Lionel Messi delivered a sensational performance, scoring a hat-trick and assisting twice, as Argentina overwhelmed Bolivia 6-0 in their World Cup qualifying match in Buenos Aires. The win propels Argentina to the top of the South American qualifying table with 22 points, three ahead of second-place Colombia.
Messi, playing his first full match since recovering from injury, opened the scoring in the 19th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error. He then assisted on goals by Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez before Thiago Almada made it 4-0 in the second half. Messi sealed the victory with two quick goals in the 84th and 86th minutes, earning his 10th international hat-trick and bringing his goal tally for Argentina to 112, just behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s record 133.
Reflecting on the win, Messi said, “It’s always special to play here. The support from the fans is incredible, and it keeps motivating me. As long as I’m feeling good, I’ll keep enjoying these moments.”
The victory keeps Argentina firmly in control of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, with Brazil, Colombia, and Uruguay trailing behind. The top six teams from the region will secure direct qualification.
Argentina’s dominant form continues as they prepare for the next round of qualifiers in November.
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