Messi’s Hat Trick Leads Argentina to 6-0 Victory Over Bolivia in World Cup Qualifiers

Messi’s hat trick powers Argentina’s 6-0 win over Bolivia in World Cup qualifiers, keeping them at the top of CONMEBOL standings.

Lionel Messi’s Hat Trick Powers Argentina’s 6-0 Win Over Bolivia in World Cup Qualifiers

 

Buenos Aires, Argentina – Argentina cruised to a 6-0 victory over Bolivia in a commanding display during the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday. Led by a hat trick from Lionel Messi, the Albiceleste maintained their lead at the top of the CONMEBOL standings, collecting 22 points after 10 matches.

 

The scoring opened in the 19th minute when Messi capitalized on a poor clearance by Bolivian defender Marcelo Suarez, driving the ball into the net. Lautaro Martínez doubled the lead before halftime, with a goal set up by Julián Álvarez, and then Álvarez himself netted the third just before the break, thanks to a Messi assist.

 

Argentina continued to pile on the pressure in the second half. Thiago Almada, a substitute, added the fourth goal in the 69th minute, following a brilliant assist from Nahuel Molina. Messi then capped off his stunning performance by scoring two late goals, one in the 84th minute from a low Molina cross and another just two minutes later with an assist from Nico Paz.

 

Bolivia, which had enjoyed three straight wins under coach Óscar Villegas, struggled to find any rhythm and couldn’t break through Argentina’s defense. With this defeat, Bolivia drops to the playoff zone with 12 points, while Argentina solidifies its spot at the top.

 

Argentina now prepares for upcoming matches against Paraguay in Asunción and Peru in Buenos Aires, while Bolivia faces Ecuador and Paraguay in their next fixtures.