Lionel Messi turned in another vintage performance for Argentina, scoring three goals and adding two assists in a runaway win over Bolivia in South American World Cup qualifying on Tuesday night.
Argentina destroyed Bolivia 6-0 in Buenos Aires, thanks to a great performance by Lionel Messi, who scored a hat-trick. La Albiceleste sits atop the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers standings.
It was Messi’s first match in Argentina in 334 days, and the beloved World Cup champion left fans at Estadio Mâs Monumental in Buenos Aires with a night to remember. They saw Messi’s 10th hat trick with Argentina, and the first game with multiple goals and assists in his national team career.
It was a performance that leaves no doubt about the form he’s in before his MLS Cup playoff run with Inter Miami later this month. It also leaves Messi’s legion of fans wondering how much longer they will enjoy his greatness.
Match Highlight:
Messi’s first goal came after a mistake by a Bolivian defender, who missed a pass and allowed the 37-year-old Messi to run freely and finish unchallenged in front of goalkeeper Billy Viscarra. Messi assisted on Lautaro Martínez’s goal in the 42nd minute and gave a decisive pass once again in added time on a goal by Julián Álvarez.
Argentina appeared to slow its pace after the break but scored again through Thiago Almada in the 69th minute. The striker scored from close range after a low cross by Nahuel Molina.
Messi’s show had two great finishing touches from the edge of the box, the first in the 84th and the second in the 86th minute, and the joy was apparent on the 37-year-old’s face as he celebrated with teammates.
Messi Magic:
Messi stretched out his hands in celebration as the crowd erupted after he scored in the 19th minute, capitalizing from a steal by teammate Lautaro Martinez to find the bottom right corner of the net to open the scoring.
Just before the match went final, Messi stole the show again with two goals in two minutes to cap his memorable performance.
Post-Match Press Conference:
“It’s a joy to be present and appreciate this moment. Being surrounded by younger teammates, given my age, makes me feel like a kid again,” Messi said. “I find myself doing silly things because I feel so comfortable. As long as I maintain that feeling and can continue contributing to the team, I plan to be here enjoying [the national team].”
“The only thing I ask of him is to keep playing as long as he can,” Scaloni said. “It’s a joy to watch him on the soccer field. He never ceases to amaze us.”
