Argentina 6-0 Bolivia: Lionel Messi scores a hat trick in World Cup qualifying

Lionel Messi scored his 10th international hat-trick as Argentina beat Bolivia 6-0 in World Cup qualifying.

The 37-year-old Inter Miami striker, who also assisted two goals at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, tied with Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo for the most hat-tricks in international men's football.

Argentina is three points ahead of Colombia at the top of South America's qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup despite losing to Colombia in September and drawing with Venezuela last week.

“It's really nice to come here and feel the affection of the people. “It touches me how they call my name,” said Messi.

“That’s what drives me – to enjoy being happy where I am. Despite my age, I feel like a child here because I feel comfortable in this team. As long as I feel good and can continue to perform the way I want, I will continue to enjoy it.

Messi, making only his second appearance for Argentina since his injury at the Copa America in July, took advantage of a defensive error to give Argentina the lead after 19 minutes.

He set up Lautaro Martinez and then Julian Alvarez before substitute Thiago Almada made it 4-0.

Messi struck twice in the space of two minutes late, beat two defenders, scored in his second shot and completed his hat-trick by finding the bottom corner.

Messi has scored 112 goals in 189 games for Argentina, trailing only Ronaldo's 133 goals in men's international matches.