Lionel Messi scored a hat trick and had a hand in two extra targets as Argentina crushed Bolivia 6-0 in South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday in entrance of raucous followers on the Monumental de Nuñez Stadium.

It marked the primary time in Messi’s worldwide profession that he had a number of targets and assists in a single sport, and the hat trick was his tenth for Argentina — tying Cristiano Ronaldo’s mark for hat tips with Portugal.

Making solely his second worldwide look since recovering from an harm sustained on the Copa América in July, Messi capitalised on a mistake by defender Marcelo Suarez to open the scoring within the nineteenth minute.

“We loved this, we’re completely satisfied to be right here enjoying in Argentina,” stated Messi, who as soon as once more refused to say whether or not he’ll play within the subsequent World Cup in 2026. “This might be one of many final [matches in front of the Argentinian crowd].”

Bolivia goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra made a few advantageous saves to forestall the hosts from extending their lead however he was overwhelmed within the forty third minute when Lautaro Martinez scored from Messi’s fast cross.

Argentina made it 3-0 simply earlier than the break, Messi organising Julián Álvarez to attain.

Argentina managed the second half and substitute Thiago Almada added a fourth from Nahuel Molina’s go within the seventieth minute earlier than Messi scored twice late on to cap a terrific efficiency.

Copa América winners Argentina high the standings on 22 factors, three away from Colombia, who beat Chile earlier within the day.

Bolivia, trying to qualify for the World Cup for the primary time in 30 years, stay in competition with 12 factors.

The 2026 World Cup can be hosted by america, Mexico and Canada.