Argentina thrashed Bolivia 6-0, as Lionel Messi added yet another historic milestone to his extensive collection of national team achievements.
Messi equaled Cristiano Ronaldo for the most hat-tricks in international football with his tenth goal.
The Inter Miami attacker gave the team the lead in the 19th minute and finished the game with two swift goals in the 84th and 86th minutes to secure his 10th international hat-trick.
Prior to it, Messi had assisted on two of Argentina’s goals at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, giving them a 4-0 lead.
Forty-three minutes into the first half, after the Inter Milan striker had helped Messi and Argentina score their opening goal, he returned the favor by setting up Lautaro Martinez.
He gave Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid another assist shortly before halftime, bringing the score to 3-0.
With 22 points, La Albiceleste leads their South American 2026 World Cup qualification group by three points over Colombia, who are in second place.
After the game, Messi talks about his future.
In a post-game interview, the former Barcelona talisman discussed his prospects with the national team as well as the reaction he always gets when he plays in his native country.
He said there’s no definite date when he would retire from the national team, and that he’s only focused on enjoying the last moments.
“I haven’t set any date or deadline regarding my future; I just want to enjoy all of this. It moves me more than ever to be here and feel the love of the people because I know these could be my last matches.
“This drives me. Enjoying being happy where I am. Despite my age, when I’m here, I feel like a kid because I’m comfortable with this team. As long as I feel good and can keep performing the way I want, we’ll keep enjoying it,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s Portugal were held to a goalless draw by Scotland but still top their UEFA Nations League with 10 points.
