Messi Matches Ronaldo's Hat-Trick Record With A Vintage Display For Argentina

Lionel Messi turned back the clock with a vintage performance for Argentina on Tuesday, scoring three goals in his nation’s 6-0 demolition of Bolivia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier. 

The 37-year-old maestro netted his 10th international hat-trick, equaling Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for most hat-tricks in men’s international football.

“It’s wonderful to come here and feel the affection from the crowd. It moves me how they chant my name,” Messi said after delivering an unforgettable show at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. 

“This feeling keeps me going. Despite my age, I feel like a kid when I’m with this team. As long as I feel good and can perform the way I want, I’ll keep enjoying it.”

In addition to his three goals, the Inter Miami star added two assists as the reigning world champions cruised to victory.

Messi opened the scoring in the 19th minute, capitalizing on a defensive mistake to put Argentina ahead. He later unselfishly set up Lautaro Martínez for a simple tap-in just before halftime.

Before the break, Messi delivered another moment of brilliance, firing a quick free kick to Julián Álvarez, who controlled the ball before skillfully chipping it over the goalkeeper to extend Argentina’s lead to 3-0.

The second half saw more of the same dominance. Thiago Almada made it 4-0 in the 69th minute, finishing off a beautiful team move. 

But the night truly belonged to Messi, who scored two more goals that sent the home crowd into a frenzy. His first was classic Messi—sprinting past defenders and slotting a low shot under the Bolivian keeper. It was a goal that brought back memories of his unstoppable days at Barcelona.

And Messi wasn’t done. Minutes later, he curled a stunning left-footed shot from the edge of the box into the bottom corner, sealing the 6-0 rout. 

With a grin on his face, Messi soaked in the applause as fans chanted his name throughout the stadium.

This was only Messi’s second appearance for Argentina since July, as he recovered from an ankle injury. 

The Albiceleste, despite some recent setbacks, remains at the top of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings with 22 points. They face Paraguay in their next qualifier on November 14. 

Messi’s performance was a reminder that age is just a number for one of football’s greatest-ever players.