Lionel Messi made an impressive comeback in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, scoring a hat-trick and providing two assists as Argentina thrashed Bolivia 6-0. This marked Messi’s 10th international hat-trick, putting him on par with Cristiano Ronaldo for the most hat-tricks in men’s international football. Messi opened the scoring in the 19th minute after capitalizing on a defensive error, and went on to set up two more goals before netting two himself.
Despite Bolivia goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra making several fine saves, Argentina continued to dominate the game. Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez both found the back of the net with Messi’s assistance, giving Argentina a comfortable lead going into halftime. The second half saw Argentina maintain control, with Nahuel Molina assisting Thiago Almada to score the fourth goal for the hosts.
In the closing moments of the game, Messi further delighted Argentina fans by scoring two more goals to complete his hat-trick. His second goal was a fierce shot past Viscarra, while his final goal came just two minutes later with a left-footed drive. This hat-trick brought Messi’s total goals for Argentina to 112, tying him with Cristiano Ronaldo for the most hat-tricks in international men’s football.
After the match, Messi expressed his gratitude for the support of the fans and the joy he feels playing for Argentina. He hinted at the possibility of playing in the next World Cup in 2026 but did not confirm his participation. Argentina now leads the South American World Cup qualifying with 22 points after 10 matches, three points ahead of Colombia in second place. Bolivia, who are aiming to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 30 years, are still in contention with 12 points.
The victory against Bolivia solidified Argentina’s position as a strong contender in the South American qualifiers, with a comfortable lead at the top of the table. Lionel Messi’s outstanding performance further highlighted his status as one of the greatest players in international football, matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for the most hat-tricks. With the support of the adoring home crowd, Messi showcased his talent and skill, contributing significantly to Argentina’s dominant performance against Bolivia. The win puts Argentina in a favorable position as they strive to secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
As the South American qualifiers progress, Argentina will look to maintain their strong form and secure their spot in the 2026 World Cup. With Lionel Messi leading the way and showcasing his exceptional goal-scoring ability, Argentina’s chances of success in the qualifiers are promising. The team’s performance against Bolivia demonstrated their quality and determination, underlining their status as a force to be reckoned with in South American football. The upcoming matches will be crucial for Argentina as they aim to continue their winning streak and secure their place in the World Cup.
