Messi and Argentina Stroll to 6-0 Win Over Bolivia, Tying Ronaldo’s Hat-Trick Record
In a masterclass performance, Lionel Messi led Argentina to a dominant 6-0 victory over Bolivia in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, tying Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for international hat-tricks. The Argentine superstar’s impressive display, which included a stunning solo effort and a pivotal role in two other goals, left the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires in a frenzy.
Argentina’s star-studded lineup, featuring the likes of Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, and Nahuel Molina, seemingly had a free role to roam and create havoc on the Bolivian defense. And, boy, did they ever! The maestro Messi pulled the strings, directing the show and conjuring up goal after goal.
The first half belonged to Messi, who capitalized on a defensive blunder by Marcelo Suárez to slot the ball past goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra. The Argentina star then turned provider, setting up Martínez for a tap-in in the 43rd minute. Just before halftime, Messi found Álvarez, and the forward made it 3-0 with a clever finish.
The second half was more of the same, with Argentina dominating possession and pinning Bolivia deep. Otamendi thought he’d added to the tally, only to be ruled offside, but the real showstopper was Almada, who scored with a clever pass from Molina. As the fans went wild, Messi then treated them to a taste of magic, spinning past two defenders and unleashing a thunderbolt past Viscarra. This stunning solo goal brought the house down and had only the flattering. Two minutes later, Messi completed his second hat-trick of the night, joining an elite club of players to have achieved this incredible feat.
What Messi Had to Say After the Game
Post-match, Messi reflected on his return to the iconic Monumental Stadium, stating, "It’s really nice to come here, to feel the affection of the people, it moves me how they shout my name. This drives me. Enjoying being happy where I am. Despite my age, when I’m here, I feel like a kid because I’m comfortable with this team. As long as I feel good and can keep performing the way I want, I’ll keep enjoying it."
The win sees Argentina maintain their perfect record in the World Cup qualifiers, sitting atop the standings with 22 points. With their recent slump behind them, the Albiceleste look poised to make a strong push for the 2026 World Cup. Stay tuned to our social media channels for more updates and analysis on Argentina’s journey to the top!
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