Lionel Messi struck a trademark hat trick as world champions Argentina romped to a 6-0 win over Bolivia in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying on Tuesday. The 37-year-old provided an emphatic reminder of his enduring quality with three clinical finishes, two assists, and some of his trademark creativity throughout the game as Lionel Scaloni’s side dominated.
Following the win, victory in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Monumental de Nuñez Stadium, the 2022 World Cup winner reflected on his time with the national team, expressing a desire to cherish each moment as he acknowledges that his playing career is nearing its end.
“It is very nice to play here feeling the affection of the Argentina fans,” Messi said after the game. “It makes me emotional to listen to how they shout my name. We all enjoy this connection with the fans and we love playing at home.”
When questioned about his future and the possibility of aiding Argentina in their title defense at the 2026 World Cup, Messi responded with caution and honesty.
“I didn’t set any date or deadline about my future,” Messi said. “I’m just enjoying all this. I am more emotional than ever and taking all the love from the people because I know these can be my last games.”
A Messi 𝐇𝐀𝐓-𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐊 guides Argentina 🇦🇷 to a 𝐁𝐈𝐆 win 🥵 pic.twitter.com/LBLS9iIU8g
— 433 (@433) October 16, 2024
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner found the net in the 19th minute after Bolivian defender Marcelo Suarez lost possession to Lautaro Martinez, who set up Messi for a composed finish into the bottom corner. The crowd at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium erupted again in the 43rd minute when Julián Álvarez delivered a perfectly timed pass to Messi, who selflessly set up Lautaro Martínez for a simple finish. Just three minutes later, Álvarez got on the scoresheet himself, capitalizing on a quick free-kick as Messi chipped the ball over the defense, allowing the Atlético Madrid forward to calmly slot it home.
After halftime, Nicolás Otamendi had a goal disallowed for offside, but the home fans soon celebrated a fourth goal when Thiago Almada side-footed in after a precise pull-back from Nahuel Molina. Messi added a fifth in classic style in the 84th minute, weaving through the center before switching from his left foot to his right to bury the ball into the bottom corner.
Just two minutes later, emotions ran high in the stands once again as Messi cut inside from the right, executed a clever one-two with substitute Nico Paz, and once again placed the ball beyond goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra’s reach.
Messi equaled arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo for the most number of international hat-tricks. Both Ronaldo and Messi now have as many as 10 hat-tricks, with Iran’s Ali Daei at 9.
🚨 NEW RECORD
Lionel Messi now has the most hattricks in international football!
10 hat tricks! 🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/vqmhqXEWHU
— Exclusive Messi (@ExclusiveMessi) October 16, 2024
Scoloni’s side sits at the top of the 10-team standings with 22 points from ten matches, maintaining a three-point lead over second-placed Colombia, who themselves secured an impressive 4-0 victory against Chile in Barranquilla.
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
