On Tuesday, in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, Lionel Messi showed his classic skills by scoring a hat trick and providing two assists in Argentina’s 6-0 victory over Bolivia.
The 37-year-old proved his enduring quality as he dominated the game with his trademark creativity. In the 19th minute, Lautaro Martinez stole the ball from Bolivian defender Marcelo Suarez and passed it to Messi who cleverly finished it in the bottom corner to open the scoring.
In the 43rd minute, Messi unselfishly passed the ball to Martinez who scored again after a brilliant pass from Julian Alvarez. Three minutes later, Alvarez himself scored when Messi chipped the ball over the defense and he slotted it in.
Although Nicolas Otamendi’s header was disallowed for offside, the home fans didn’t have to wait long for the fourth goal as Thiago Almada scored after a superb pass from Nahuel Molina. In the 84th minute, Messi scored a classic goal by dribbling through the defense and finishing with his right foot. Just two minutes later, Messi scored again after a smart pass from substitute Nico Paz.
With 22 points from ten games, Argentina is currently at the top of the table, three points ahead of second-place Colombia who defeated Chile 4-0 in Barranquilla.
