Lionel Messi in action for Argentina against Bolivia © AFP
Lionel Messi equalled Cristiano Ronaldo’s sensational record with a brilliant performance as Argentina beat Bolivia in a South American qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Messi scored 3 goals and provided 2 assists, impressing both fans and experts as Argentina dominated the encounter at the iconic Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. It was Messi’s 10th international hat-trick – tied for the most in the world with Ronaldo. The hat-trick takes the footballer’s international goal tally to 112 as Argentina continue their unbeaten run in World Cup qualifiers.
The 37-year-old gave a strong reminder of his enduring quality with three superb finishes, two assists and some of his signature creativity throughout the game as Lionel Scaloni’s side dominated the game.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner opened the scoring in the 19th minute when Bolivian defender Marcelo Suarez was outmaneuvered by Lautaro Martinez, who passed to Messi who deftly slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
The home crowd at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires were on their feet again in the 43rd minute when Julian Alvarez played a superb pass to Messi, who selflessly slotted the ball back to Martinez.
Three minutes later, Alvarez scored himself when Bolivia were caught asleep at a free-kick, Messi chipped the ball over the top and the Atletico Madrid forward scored.
After the break, Nicolas Otamendi’s header was ruled offside but home fans didn’t have to wait until the fourth minute when Thiago Almada side-footed a superb pull-back from Nahuel Molina
A classic Messi goal in the 84th minute made it 5-0 – the Inter Miami forward dribbled down the centre before switching from his left foot to his right and tucked the ball into the bottom corner.
Two minutes later and some fans cried foul when Messi cut in from the right, played a smart wall pass to substitute Nico Paz and again placed the ball beyond the reach of goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra.
Argentina top the 10-team table with 22 points from 10 matches – three ahead of second-placed Colombia, who beat Chile 4-0 in Barranquilla.
(With AFP inputs)
Continuing the achievement of the journey of effectiveness and credibility of more than 10 years in the career of journalism, as a woman journalist, I am Serving as the founder, promoter and editor of DiaryTimes with the trust and support of all. My credible coverage may not have given a big shape to the numbers, but my journey presents articles that make you aware of the exact and meaningful situations of Himachal’s politics, ground issues related to the public, business, tourism and the difficult geographical conditions of the state and financial awareness. DiaryTimes, full of the experience of my precise editorial expertise, is awakening the flame of credible journalism among all of you, so that the eternal flame of meaningful change can be lit in the life of the people of the state and the atrocities being committed against the people can be brought to the fore, I am motivated for that. If even a small change comes with the power of my journalism and the whole world becomes a witness to that issues, then I will consider myself fortunate.
