Buenos Aires
Lionel Messi delivered a stellar performance, scoring his 10th international hat-trick in Argentina’s 6-0 win over Bolivia in a World Cup qualifying match at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Wednesday. The 37-year-old Inter Miami forward, who also set up two goals, has now matched Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo for the most hat-tricks in men’s international football, with both stars tied at 10.
With this win, Argentina remains at the top of the South American qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup. They are three points clear of Colombia, despite a loss to Colombia in September and a draw with Venezuela last week.
Messi, who has recently returned from an injury suffered at the Copa America, opened the scoring after 19 minutes, capitalizing on a defensive mistake. He then assisted goals for Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez, while substitute Thiago Almada added a fourth goal. Messi wrapped up the match with two more goals in the final minutes, finishing with 112 goals in 189 games for Argentina, trailing only Ronaldo’s 133 in men’s international matches. It is really nice to come here, to feel the affection of the people. It moves me how they shout my name, Messi said. As long as I feel good and can keep performing, I will keep enjoying it, he added.
The top six teams in the South American group will automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
