Lionel Messi rolled back the years with a vintage performance for Argentina on Tuesday, scoring three goals in his nation’s 6-0 thrashing of Bolivia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
It was the 37-year-old’s 10th international hat-trick, a tally which draws him level with Cristiano Ronaldo’s record in men’s soccer. “It’s really nice to come here, to feel the affection of the people, it moves me how they shout my name,” Messi said after providing an unforgettable performance at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. “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.
The attacker produced an inch-perfect pass from a quick free kick to find Julián Álvarez, who was able to bring the ball under control and bounce it over the onrushing goalkeeper. It was more of the same in the second half and Thiago Almada made it 4-0 in the 69th minute, finishing off a flowing move from the host. The former Barcelona superstar then whipped the home crowd into a frenzy with two quick goals before the final whistle.
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