Argentina’s 6-0 Victory Bangs on!

Argentine football legend Lionel Messi drew level with a record held by Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo for most international hat-tricks on Tuesday, scoring his 10th hat-trick.

The 36-year-old Messi achieved the latest feat as his national team, playing in front of a home crowd at the Monumental stadium, thrashed Bolivia 6-0 in South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup and helped score two more goals.

The Inter Miami star opened the scoring in the 19th minute in only his second international appearance since recovering from an injury he suffered at Copa America in July, finding the back of the net after a mistake by defender Marcelo Suarez to start the scoring.

Bolivia goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra then made a couple of fine saves to prevent the visitors from falling further behind, but he was eventually breached in the 43rd minute when Lautaro Martinez sent home Messi’s quick cross.

Then, just before half-time, Messi set up Julian Alvarez to seal the matter 3-0 in favour of Argentina.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or award winner completed his hat-trick, driving with his left foot to take his goals tally for the country to 112.

“It’s really nice to come here, to feel the affection of the people, it moves me how they shout my name,” he said. Former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star Ron Plato.

“This drives me. Enjoying being happy where I am. Despite my age, when I’m here, I feel like a kid because I’m comfortable with this team. As long as I feel good and can keep performing the way I want, I’ll keep enjoying it.”

With 22 points, Argentina lead the standings to return to a winning way after the defeat at the hands of Colombia last month, drawing with Venezuela last week. The hosting rights for the 2026 World Cup have been awarded to the United States, Mexico, and Canada.