Lionel Messi recorded his 10th international hat-trick as Argentina defeated Bolivia 6-0 in a dominant World Cup qualifying match at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
The 37-year-old forward, currently playing for Inter Miami, also contributed two assists during the match. With his hat-trick, Messi has now equaled Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo for the most hat-tricks in men’s international football.
Argentina’s victory puts them three points ahead of Colombia at the top of the South American qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup. Despite earlier setbacks, including a loss to Colombia in September and a draw with Venezuela last week, Argentina remains in a strong position.
Messi, reflecting on the support from the fans, said, "It's really nice to come here, to feel the affection of the people. It moves me how they shout my name." 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."
In just his second appearance for Argentina since suffering an injury during the Copa America in July, Messi opened the scoring in the 19th minute, capitalizing on a defensive mistake. He later set up goals for Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez, with substitute Thiago Almada adding a fourth. Messi's final two goals, scored in quick succession, sealed the hat-trick.
Messi has now scored 112 goals in 189 matches for Argentina, second only to Ronaldo’s 133 goals in men’s international football.
In other World Cup qualifying action, Raphinha scored twice as Brazil defeated Peru 4-0 in Brasilia. Brazil, five-time World Cup champions, had been struggling with four losses in their previous five matches but secured back-to-back victories after beating Chile earlier in the week. Late goals from Andreas Pereira and Luiz Henrique secured the win. Brazil now sits fourth in the standings, six points behind Argentina after 10 games.
Colombia, led by in-form Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran, who scored his seventh goal of the season across all competitions, defeated Chile 4-0. Davinson Sanchez, Luis Diaz, and Luis Sinisterra also contributed to the scoreline in Barranquilla.
The top six teams from the South American group will qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
