Vintage Messi Nets Hat-Trick as Argentina Thrash Bolivia 6-0 in World Cup Qualifier

AFP/APP

Montevideo: Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass performance, scoring a vintage hat-trick as world champions Argentina cruised to a 6-0 victory over Bolivia in Tuesday’s CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying match.

The 37-year-old superstar reminded fans of his enduring brilliance, contributing three clinical goals, two assists, and an array of creative plays as Lionel Scaloni’s side dominated at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium.

Messi opened the scoring in the 19th minute after Lautaro Martinez intercepted Bolivian defender Marcelo Suarez, setting up Messi to slot the ball neatly into the bottom corner. Argentina doubled their lead in the 43rd minute, when Julian Alvarez’s brilliant pass found Messi, who unselfishly squared the ball for Martinez to finish.

Just three minutes later, Alvarez capitalized on a quickly-taken free-kick, with Messi chipping the ball over the defense for the Atletico Madrid forward to slot home, making it 3-0 before the break.

Though a Nicolas Otamendi header was ruled out for offside after halftime, the home crowd soon celebrated a fourth goal, as Thiago Almada side-footed home following a superb assist from Nahuel Molina.

Messi’s second goal came in the 84th minute, as the Inter Miami forward weaved his way through the defense, switching from his left to right foot and burying the ball into the bottom corner.

Two minutes later, Messi completed his hat-trick after playing a smart one-two with substitute Nico Paz and again finding the back of the net, leaving Bolivian goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra helpless.

Argentina sit comfortably atop the 10-team qualifying table with 22 points from 10 games, three points clear of second-place Colombia, who defeated Chile 4-0 in Barranquilla.