Argentina 6-0 Bolivia: Messi shines with a hat-trick and two assists

Lionel Scaloni achieved his 61st win in only his 81st match as the head coach of Argentina, revitalizing their pursuit of qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A remarkable hat-trick from Lionel Messi propelled the team to a decisive 6-0 victory against Bolivia.

The match did not begin easily for the home side, as the visitors displayed a resilient defensive performance during the initial fifteen minutes.

However, their efforts were thwarted when Lautaro Martinez intercepted a straightforward clearance. The ball fell to Messi, who expertly converted at the near post, marking his 110th international goal.

Following this breakthrough in the 19th minute, the atmosphere at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Mas Monumental became jubilant, with La Albiceleste asserting dominance over the match.

As expected, Messi emerged as Argentina’s primary threat, nearly catching Guillermo Viscarra off guard with a long-range free-kick cross that required a quick save to avert disaster. Viscarra later executed a remarkable stop from another Messi free-kick, but Argentina’s superiority eventually bore fruit before halftime.

A defense-splitting pass from Julian Alvarez set Messi on a clear path to goal, and this time he selflessly laid the ball off for Martinez to score into an unguarded net. The Messi spectacle continued as he took a quick free-kick in stoppage time, catching the Bolivian defense unaware and allowing Alvarez to find the net.

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Argentina resumed their dominance after the interval, finding the back of the net within three minutes when Nicolas Otamendi headed home at the back post. However, the goal was disallowed for offside after a lengthy VAR review.

Bolivia managed a rare offensive advance following the disallowed fourth goal, but their lack of precision in finishing caused the attack to fizzle out. Argentina quickly regained control, with Alexis Mac Allister’s powerful shot from the edge of the box brilliantly saved by Viscarra.

Scaloni implemented a triple substitution shortly after the hour mark, resulting in two of the substitutes collaborating to secure the fourth goal in the 70th minute. Leandro Paredes delivered a precise ball across the goal, allowing Thiago Almada to finish powerfully with a first-time shot.

Messi subsequently contributed a fifth and a sixth goal through two typically precise efforts, with his third goal of the evening concluding the match as Argentina reestablished their three-point lead at the top of the qualifying standings.

Their next match is scheduled for next month, where they will face Paraguay. In contrast, Bolivia remains in the play-off position and will compete against Ecuador away in their first match of the final international break of the calendar year.