WATCH: Lionel Messi nets hat-trick as Argentina defeat Bolivia 6-0 in World Cup qualfiers
Lionel Messi scored thrice to lead Argentina to a 6-0 win over Bolivia in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier clash on Tuesday (October 15). The 37-year-old marked his return to Argentine soil (since November 2023) with a thrilling display, which also saw him record two assists on the night.
Messi had been stifled in their 1-1 draw with Venezuela (October 10) in his first game since the Copa America final (July 14) as he failed to score on the water-logged surface. The Inter Miami man was named in the starting XI alongside Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez, who had fun against Bolivia on Tuesday.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring for La Albiceleste at Buenos Aires after just 19 minutes, finishing smartly under the goalkeeper after a Bolivian turnover at the back. He then went into creator mode, setting up Martinez (43') and Alvarez (45+3'), as Argentina led 3-0 at the break.
Lionel Messi continued his onslaught on the bewildered Bolivian backline after seeing Thiago Almada score in the 69th minute to make it four. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner scored his second of the game after 84 minutes, rolling back the years with a jinking run and a fine finish. He completed his hat-trick two minutes later, collecting a pass from debutant Nico Paz before calmly driving into the box and slotting home.
Lionel Scaloni's side remain on top of the standings with 22 points, three clear of second-placed Colombia, who won 4-0 against Chile on Tuesday.
Lionel Messi closes in on more history in crushing Argentina win
Lionel Messi closed in on another piece of history as he helped Argentina to a 6-0 win over Bolivia in Buenos Aires. The mercurial forward scored three goals on the night and recorded two assists as he moved closer to more history.
Messi scored his 110th, 111th, and 112th goals for Argentina to record his 10th national team hat-trick, going level with Cristiano Ronaldo for the most hat-tricks in international football. The 37-year-old also became the player with the most hat-tricks without a single penalty, as this was his 46th such hat-trick.
Lionel Messi's assists for La Albiceleste once again showed his impressive passing range. First, he set up Lautaro Martinez with a simple pass, giving the Inter Milan man the simple task of slotting into an empty net. Minutes later, he set up Julian Alvarez with an exquisite ball over the top, which the Atletico Madrid man converted.
Messi's assists for his country moved to 57, leaving him just one shy of Landon Donovan's record of 58 for the USMNT.