Messi scores hat-trick as Argentina beat Bolivia in South American World Cup qualifiers

BUENOS AIRES (AP) — A hat trick and two assists: Lionel Messi came back in style for Argentina in a 6-0 home win in a South American World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

The superstar who missed the two rounds of the competition in October due to an injury to his right ankleplayed from start to finish on Tuesday in front of loud fans at the Monumental de Nuñez Stadium, who chanted his name after he scored the opening goal in the 19th minute.

The result left the world champions top of the round-robin competition with 22 points after ten games, three points ahead of second-placed Colombia, who had previously beaten Chile 4-0. Uruguay is in third place with 16 points after a goalless draw against Ecuador.

Messi is in strong form on his return

Messi's first goal came after a mistake by a Bolivian defender who missed a pass, allowing the 37-year-old Messi to run free and finish safely in front of goalkeeper Billy Viscarra. Messi set up Lautaro Martínez's goal in the 42nd minute and again delivered a crucial pass to a Julián Álvarez goal in stoppage time.

Argentina appeared to slow their pace after the break but scored again in the 69th minute through Thiago Almada. The striker scored from close range after a low cross from Nahuel Molina.

Messi's show had two great finishes from the edge of the box, the first in the 84th and the second in the 86th minute.

“We had fun, we are happy to play here in Argentina,” said Messi, who again refused to say whether he will play at the next World Cup in 2026. “This could be one of the last (games before the Argentine audience).

Bolivia, aiming to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 30 years, remains in the race with 12 points.

Chile is in last place

Chile's defeat against Colombia puts coach Ricardo Gareca's job at risk. Davinson Sánchez, Luis Díaz, Jhon Durán and Luis Sinistierra scored the goals for Colombia. Chile is in last place in the qualifying group with just five points.

Paraguay beat Venezuela 2-1 and advanced to qualification in the overall ranking. Jon Aramburo opened the scoring for the visitors in the 25th minute, but striker Antonio Sarabia came off the bench to give the hosts the winner with goals in the 59th and 74th minutes.

Two more rounds of South American World Cup qualifying will take place in November.

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AP Football: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer