Messi hits Ronaldo record levelling hat-trick as Argentina hammer Bolivia

Lionel Messi went level with Cristiano Ronaldo as he delivered a masterclass and scored his 10th international hat-trick and played a pivotal role in two other goals, leading Argentina to a 6-0 demolition of Bolivia in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Playing at the iconic Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, Messi dazzled the home crowd in only his second appearance since recovering from an injury sustained during the Copa America in July.

Argentina took the lead in the 19th minute when Messi capitalised on a defensive error by Bolivia's Marcelo Suarez, coolly slotting the ball past goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra. Though Viscarra made several strong saves to keep Bolivia in the game, he could do little to stop Lautaro Mart­nez from doubling Argentina's lead in the 43rd minute, finishing off a quick assist from Messi.

Just before halftime, Messi set up Julián lvarez to make it 3-0, sending Argentina into the break in total control. The second half continued in the same vein, with Argentina dominating possession and creating chances. Nicolás Otamendi thought he had added a fourth goal, but it was ruled out for offside.