Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick and registered two assists as Argentina crushed Bolivia 6-0 in a 2026 World Cup qualifier in Buenos Aires.
Having been held to a 1-1 draw by Venezuela last time out, the Albiceleste – who remained top of the CONMEBOL qualification group – took out their frustrations on Oscar Villegas visitors.
Messi latched onto Lautaro Martinez s pass before coolly dispatching his finish past the oncoming Guillermo Viscarra for a 19th-minute opener, then a quickfire double on the stroke of half-time took the game away from Bolivia.
Messi unselfishly squared for Martinez to tap home their second in the 43rd minute, then recorded his second assist by finding Julian Alvarez with a quick free-kick three minutes into stoppage time, with the Atletico Madrid forward finishing on the bounce at the far post.
Nicolas Otamendi had a potential fourth disallowed for offside shortly after the restart, but they extended their lead further in the 69th minute, substitute Thiago Almada sweeping Nahuel Molina s cutback home.
From there, it was all about Messi, who scored twice in two minutes to bring up his 10th international hat-trick. The Inter Miami star finished on his right foot to cap a lightning break in the 84th minute, then beat Viscarra at his near post from 20 yards out to cap the victory with four minutes remaining.
Lionel Messi was involved in five of Argentina s six goals in the 6-0 win over Bolivia (three goals, two assists).
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst)
Data Debrief: Messi ties Ronaldo on historic night for Argentina
Messi s treble took him joint-top of the charts for all-time hat-tricks in international football, alongside Ronaldo.
It was also the first time any player had recorded four or more goal involvements in a CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier since 2011, when Messi s club-mate Luis Suarez scored four times against Chile.
The win, Argentina s biggest in any World Cup qualifier, keeps them three points clear of Colombia at the top of the standings, with 10 of 18 games played. Bolivia sit seventh, 10 points back.
