Lionel Messi delivered a classic hat trick as Argentina, the reigning world champions, secured a commanding 6-0 victory over Bolivia in their CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.
At 37, Messi showcased his enduring skill with three precise goals, two assists, and his characteristic flair throughout the match, as Lionel Scaloni’s team took control.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient opened the scoring in the 19th minute after Bolivian defender Marcelo Suarez lost possession to Lautaro Martinez, who then set Messi up for a neat finish into the bottom corner.
The crowd at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium rose to their feet again in the 43rd minute when Julian Alvarez delivered an exquisite pass to Messi, who selflessly passed to Martinez for the finish.
Just three minutes later, Alvarez found the net himself, capitalising on Bolivia’s lapse at a free kick. Messi expertly chipped the ball over the defence for the Atletico Madrid forward to slot home.
After the break, Nicolas Otamendi had a header ruled out for offside, but the home fans didn’t have to wait long for the fourth when Thiago Almada side-footed the ball home after a superb pull-back from Nahuel Molina.
A classic Messi goal made it 5-0 in the 84th minute — the Inter Miami forward dribbled centrally before switching from his left foot to his right and burying the ball into the bottom corner.
Two minutes later, some fans were in tears after Messi cut in from the right, played a smart wall pass off substitute Nico Paz, and again put the ball beyond the reach of goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra.
Argentina are at the top of the 10-team table with 22 points from ten games — three points clear of second-place Colombia, who crushed Chile 4-0 in Barranquilla.
