Lionel Messi equals Cristiano Ronaldo's hat-trick record after producing a standout performance for Argentina

CNN
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Lionel Messi turned back the years with a standout performance for Argentina on Tuesday, scoring three goals in his country's 6-0 win over Bolivia in their 2026 World Cup qualifier.

It was the 37-year-old's tenth international hat-trick, a tally that brings him level with Cristiano Ronaldo's record in men's football.

“It's really nice to come here, to feel the affection of the people, it touches me how they call my name,” said Messi after an unforgettable performance at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

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

The Inter Miami striker not only scored three goals but also provided two assists to help the reigning world champions secure victory.

It was Messi who got the party started, capitalizing on a defensive error to give his country the lead after 19 minutes.

He was then involved in the second goal when he unselfishly set up Lautaro Martínez, who shot the ball into an empty net in the 43rd minute.

Argentina still had time to extend their lead before half-time and it was Messi who provided another magical moment. The attacker played an inch-perfect pass from a quick free kick to Julián Álvarez, who was able to control the ball and skip over the onrushing goalkeeper.

It was a similar story in the second half and Thiago Almada made it 4-0 in the 69th minute and completed a flowing move by the hosts.

The former Barcelona superstar then sent the home crowd into a frenzy with two quick goals before the final whistle.

The first was trademark Messi: the eight-time Balon d'Or winner ran straight at the Bolivian defense before beating a man and directing a low shot under the goalkeeper. It was a goal reminiscent of his time with the USA Blaugrana where he was simply unstoppable for several years.

But Messi wasn't finished yet. A few moments later, the striker picked up the ball on the edge of the penalty area and flicked it with his left foot into the bottom corner of the net to make it 6-0.

The Argentina captain grinned broadly as fans in the stadium chanted his name.

Messi made only his second appearance for his country since July after recovering from an ankle injury.

The Albiceleste Drawn with Venezuela last week and lost to Colombia in September, but still sit top of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table with 22 points. The team will play Paraguay in their next qualifying match on November 14th.