Messi’s Argentina crushes Bolivia 6-0 in World Cup qualifier

• Messi’s 110th international goal inches him closer to Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 132
• Lautaro Martinez sets up Messi’s first goal after blocking a clearance
• Barcelona legend Messi completes his hat-trick with two late goals

Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying campaign continued spectacularly, thanks to a Lionel Messi masterclass that saw the Albiceleste ease past Bolivia with a 6-0 victory. 

Lionel Scaloni’s 61st triumph in 81 games in charge was a fruitful outing inspired by Messi’s clinical hat-trick, which restored Argentina’s three-point cushion at the top of the standings. Though Bolivia resisted early on, their defence soon faltered under much pressure.

The breakthrough came after 19 minutes when Lautaro Martinez disrupted a Bolivian clearance, allowing Messi to pounce. The Argentine captain coolly slotted the ball into the near post, marking his 110th international goal. A festive-like atmosphere took over Estadio Mas Monumental as Argentina tightened their grip on the game.

Messi continued to torment the Bolivian defence, nearly scoring from a curly free-kick before forcing an impressive save from Bolivia’s goalie Guillermo Viscarra with another set-piece attempt. 

It wasn’t long before Messi’s playmaking abilities shone through once again, as Julian Alvarez’s defence-splitting pass put Messi through on goal, but instead of finishing himself, he unselfishly squared the ball to Martinez, who netted Argentina’s second.

Messi’s quick free-kick caught Bolivia’s defence napping in first-half stoppage time, allowing Alvarez to fire past Viscarra for Argentina’s third.

The second half began in a similar fashion, with Nicolas Otamendi heading in from close range. However, after a lengthy VAR check, the goal was chalked off for offside. Bolivia briefly ventured forward, but their rare attack fizzled out, and Argentina soon regained control. 

Scaloni introduced fresh legs, and substitutes Leandro Paredes and Thiago Almada combined beautifully for the fourth goal. Almada finished with precision after Paredes’ perfect delivery. The night, however, belonged to Messi, as the Argentine legend added two late strikes to complete his hat-trick, rounding off a brilliant performance.

With this important win, Argentina remains at the top of the qualification table. They will face Paraguay next, while Bolivia looks ahead to a tie against Ecuador.

2024 Ballon d'Or: Who will reign in a new era without Messi and Ronaldo?

Previously, TheRadar reported that as the 2024 Ballon d'Or approaches, excitement builds for one of the most anticipated nights in football. 

The prestigious awards ceremony, which will be held in Paris on October 28, promises to crown the year’s finest talents, and for the first time in two decades, the footballing world must look beyond the iconic duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, with neither legend in the running for the men's prize, the stage is set for a new rivalry to rise.