Richard Dean
Lionel Messi dazzled fans once again with a spectacular performance for Argentina, scoring a hat-trick in a dominant 6-0 victory over Bolivia during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. This milestone not only brought joy to the home crowd at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires but also tied him with Cristiano Ronaldo for the record of most international hat-tricks in men’s soccer, with ten to his name.
Messi’s Vintage Performance
At 37 years old, Messi showcased skill and agility that left spectators reminiscing about his prime years. In the early moments of the match, he took advantage of a defensive mistake by Bolivia to open the scoring just 19 minutes in. His presence was indeed felt throughout the match, where he also provided two crucial assists, contributing significantly to Argentina’s commanding performance.
“It’s really nice to come here, to feel the affection of the people. It moves me how they shout my name,” Messi stated after the match.
Messi expressed his joy at being able to play for the team, saying, “As long as I feel good and can keep performing the way I want, I’ll keep enjoying it.” This passion was evident as he connected with teammates and transformed every opportunity into a thrilling play.
Key Highlights of the Match
- First Goal: Messi scored the first goal by exploiting a defensive blunder.
- Second Goal Contributed: He assisted Lautaro Martínez in the 43rd minute for the second goal, showcasing teamwork.
- Another Assist: With a clever, quick free kick, Messi set up Julián Álvarez, who added to the score just before halftime.
The score at the break stood at 3-0, setting the stage for an even more exciting second half.
Continuing the Onslaught
The second half saw Argentina continue to dominate. Thiago Almada scored the fourth goal in the 69th minute, adding to the growing tally. Messi then electrified the crowd with two more quick goals, each a testament to his legendary skill:
- Fifth Goal: After a dazzling run through the Bolivian defense, he curled a low shot to the far post, reminiscent of his days at Barcelona.
- Final Goal: He finished the onslaught with a left-footed shot from the edge of the box, sealing the match with style at 6-0.
Each goal brought roars of approval from fans, many of whom chanted Messi’s name with pride.
Current Standings and Future Matches
Despite facing struggles in earlier qualifiers, including a draw against Venezuela and a loss to Colombia, Argentina remains at the top of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table with 22 points. Their next match is scheduled against Paraguay on November 14.
In his post-match reflections, Messi acknowledged the significance of the win, especially as it highlights the team’s capability to recover and perform.
Final Thoughts
As Messi continues to age, his ability to maintain peak performance raises questions about how long he will play internationally. However, for now, he remains committed and passionate about representing Argentina. With fans and teammates behind him, Messi proves once again that he can deliver historic performances when it matters most in the world of soccer
