Lionel Messi scored his 10th hat-trick for Argentina to equal Portugal's Critiano Ronaldo's record for most hat-tricks in international football and lead his side to a comfortable 6-0 win against Bolivia in FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
Messi opened the scoring in the 19th minute as the crowd cheered him at the Monumental stadium. Messi provided two assists in three of the goals scored in the match. Messi extended Argentina's lead towards the end with goals in 84th and 86th minute of the game.
This was Messi’s second game on the international stage after recovering from an ankle injury he sustained in the Copa America 2024 final which reigning World Champions Argentina won.Â
Argentina are at the top of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers standings with seven wins from 10 games and 22 points. They are followed by Colombia who have 19 points with five wins from 10 games.
Messi on retirement from international football
After the commanding 6-0 win over 83rd ranked Bolivia, Messi opened up on his retirement. He did not confirm whether he will be playing in the next edition of World Cup in 2026.Â
“I haven’t set any date or deadline regarding my future, I just want to enjoy all of this. It moves me more than ever to be here and feel the love of the people because I know these could be my last matches,” the 37-year-old said.
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“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, we’ll keep enjoying it,” he added.
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Messi shows gratitude to fans
Messi thanked the crowd for their support as the stadium was filled with his name's chants when he paid defender Marcelo Suarez's mistake to score the opening goal.Â
“It’s really nice to come here, to feel the affection of the people, it moves me how they shout my name,” he expressed.
