Messi and Argentina Erupt in 6-0 Thrilling Win Over Bolivia in World Cup Qualifying Clash
Argentina are on the cusp of sealing a spot in the 2026 World Cup after Lionel Messi and his teammates ripped apart Bolivia with a stunning 6-0 victory on Tuesday evening. The win sees Lionel Scaloni’s men occupy the top spot in the CONMEBOL table with 22 points from nine fixtures, a comfortable eight points clear of the seventh-place playoff spot.
Messi shines, sets the tone
The man of the moment, Messi, asserted his dominance with a hat-trick and created two more goals for Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez. Thiago Almada also got in on the action, scoring his first international goal. The Albiceleste’s attacking prowess left Bolivia reeling, with the visitors struggling to muster just four shots and 28% possession throughout the match.
Bolivia’s surprise party
Bolivia, fresh from three straight wins, including a stunning 1-0 upset of Colombia, were brought back down to earth with a brutal reality check. Miguel Terceros, the Santos starlet who had scored in each of those previous victories, was kept off the scoresheet. Bolivia’s inability to cope with Argentina’s attacking firepower spells trouble for their World Cup aspirations.
How to watch the match and more
Catch Argentina’s next match on Tuesday, October 15 at 8pm ET at the iconic Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Don’t miss it on Telemundo Deportes En Vivo and NBC Universo en Espanol.
Will Messi start against Bolivia?
Reports suggest that Messi will start the game, his first outing in Argentina since November 2023. After a bustling summer with Argentina and an injury layoff, Messi made his MLS return for Inter Miami. Wednesday’s confirmation would be a boost for the Argentine faithful, eager to see their hero in action.
Argentina team news
Argentina’s 23-man squad includes three newcomers: Nico Paz, Facundo Buonanotte, and Julio Soler. Buonanotte, a Leicester City prospect, has already earned two caps for the national team. The trio joins the likes of Messi, Martinez, and Alvarez in a talented pool of players aiming to lead Argentina to the 2026 World Cup.
Bolivia team news
Luis Haquin’s side, consisting of a mix of domestic players, has impressed in recent outings. Terceros, the catalyst for their three-game winning streak, was the headline act, but Bolivia’s Championship Round wins have come at a high cost. With their squad threadbare, Bolivia’s chances of making a deep run in the tournament hang in the balance.
Argentina vs. Bolivia prediction
It’s unlikely that Bolivia can repeat their La Vinotinto (Yes, it’s 2024) magic against the reigning Copa America champions. Argentina’s superior quality and depth will be too much for the Bolivians, leading to a comfortable Argentina 3-1 Bolivia victory.
Stay up-to-date with all the latest football news and updates
Follow us on all social media platforms for more news, analysis, and insights, ensuring you’re always in the know.