With the goal, Argentine football legend Lionel Messi equaled Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for most international hat-tricks when he scored his 10th such hat-trick on Tuesday.
Messi, now 36-years-old, reached the latest milestone when his national team routed Bolivia 6-0 in South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in front of a home crowd at the Monumental stadium and helped score two more goals.
The Inter Miami star capitalized on a mistake by defender Marcelo Suarez to open the scoring in the 19th minute of only his second international appearance since recovering from an injury he suffered at Copa America in July.
Bolivia goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra then made a couple of fine saves to prevent the hosts from extending their lead but he was finally beaten in the 43rd minute when Lautaro Martinez scored from Messi’s quick cross.
It was 3-0 just before the break as Messi laid on a plate for Julian Alvarez to find the back of the net.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner completed the hat-trick, scoring with a left-footed drive to take his tally to 112 goals for his country.
“Is very nice coming here, feeling the affection of people-that they shout my name-it moves me,” the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germany star said.
It motivates me. Being happy where you are, enjoying it. At 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. Argentina, back to winning ways after last month’s defeat to Colombia and a draw with Venezuela last week, lead the standings with 22 points. The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
