Lionel Messi delivered an extraordinary performance in the South American World Cup qualifiers on October 15, showcasing his unparalleled skills and playmaking ability as he scored his 10th international hat-trick. His brilliant display was instrumental in leading Argentina to a resounding 6-0 victory over Bolivia, a match that saw Messi not only score three goals but also provide two crucial assists, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest footballers in the history of the sport. With this remarkable achievement, Messi has now drawn level with Cristiano Ronaldo for the most international hat-tricks, a testament to both players' longevity and prowess on the international stage.
The match took place at the iconic Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, a venue steeped in footballing history and significance. This game marked Messi's return to international action, being just his second appearance since recovering from an injury he sustained during the Copa America tournament in July. His presence on the field electrified the home crowd, who eagerly anticipated witnessing the magic that only Messi can deliver. This victory propelled Argentina to the top of the World Cup qualifying standings, with a total of 22 points, a clear indication of their ambitions as they pursue a spot in the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
Argentina wasted no time asserting their dominance in the match, taking the lead in the 19th minute. Messi expertly capitalized on a defensive error by Bolivia's Marcelo Suarez, effortlessly slotting the ball past the Bolivian goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra. Despite Viscarra's best efforts to keep Bolivia in the game with several impressive saves, he was unable to halt the momentum generated by the Argentine offense. Shortly before halftime, Lautaro Martínez doubled Argentina's lead in the 43rd minute, finishing off a swift and precise assist from Messi, who once again demonstrated his keen vision and playmaking ability.
As the first half came to a close, Messi showcased his exceptional passing skills by setting up Julián Álvarez for a third goal, sending Argentina into the break with a comfortable 3-0 lead. The second half saw Argentina maintain their offensive pressure, dominating possession and continuously creating goal-scoring opportunities. Nicolás Otamendi thought he had added a fourth goal to the scoreline, but his effort was ruled out for offside, a reminder of the fine margins that often dictate the outcome of matches.
In the 70th minute, substitute Thiago Almada finally made it 4-0, connecting beautifully with a pass from Nahuel Molina. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, as fans erupted in celebration, reveling in the attacking prowess displayed by their national team. Messi then thrilled the audience further by scoring his second goal of the night with a spectacular solo effort. He showcased his incredible dribbling skills, gliding past two defenders before unleashing a powerful shot that left Viscarra with no chance.
Only two minutes later, Messi completed his hat-trick, becoming just the second player in history, after Cristiano Ronaldo, to achieve 10 international hat-tricks. His left-footed strike not only brought his total to an impressive 112 international goals but also capped off a stunning performance that highlighted his enduring talent and ability to perform on the biggest stages. This match will undoubtedly be remembered as a memorable night for the Argentine national team, who continue their impressive run in the World Cup qualifiers.
In his post-match comments, Messi reflected on the joy of playing in front of the home crowd in Buenos Aires. He expressed his gratitude for the affection shown by the fans, saying, "It's really nice to come here, to feel the affection of the people, it moves me how they shout my name." This connection with the supporters drives him, fueling his desire to continue playing at the highest level. He added, "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."
Argentina's impressive performance against Bolivia signifies a strong rebound after a brief stumble in their campaign, which included a disappointing defeat to Colombia last month and a frustrating draw against Venezuela the previous week. With this commanding victory, Argentina reaffirmed its position at the top of the standings, demonstrating its formidable potential as it strives for success and aims for a favorable outcome in the 2026 World Cup qualification process. As Messi continues to lead the charge for Argentina, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see how far this talented squad can go in their pursuit of glory on the international stage.
