Lionel Messi scored an incredible hat-trick and had a hand in two more goals as Argentina crushed Bolivia 6-0 in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night.
Making only his second international appearance since recovering from an injury sustained at the Copa America in July, Messi capitalized on a mistake by defender Marcelo Suarez to open the scoring in the 19th minute.
The Inter Miami star is still finding his groove in MLS since returning to the field, but there were no such problems on international duty, as he returned to Buenos Aires for the first time in almost a year.
Bolivia goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra made a couple of fine saves to prevent the hosts from extending their lead but he was beaten in the 43rd minute when Lautaro Martinez scored from Messi’s quick cross.
Argentina made it 3-0 just before the break, with Messi setting up Julian Alvarez to score and cap off an excellent first half.
Argentina controlled the second period and substitute Thiago Almada added a fourth from Nahuel Molina’s pass in the 70th minute – before Messi took control and ensured the headlines would all be about him in Wednesday’s newspapers.
The superstar, widely regarded as the best player of all-time, added another two goals of his own to cap a terrific performance, before he walked off with the match ball at full-time.
Copa America winners Argentina top the standings in the South American qualifiers on 22 points, three clear of Colombia.
The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
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