Messi hits Ronaldo record levelling hat-trick as Argentina hammer Bolivia

Lionel Messi scored his 10th international hat-trick and went level with Cristiano Ronaldo as Argentina hammered Bolivia in the South American World Cup qualifiers on October 15, Tuesday. Argentina won the match 6-0 thanks to Messi's brilliance.

In Short

• Messi got 2 assists on the day as well
• Messi has now got 112 international goals
• Argentina went to the top of qualifiers standings with 22 points

Lionel Messi went level with Cristiano Ronaldo as he delivered a masterclass and scored his 10th international hat-trick and played a pivotal role in two other goals, leading Argentina to a 6-0 demolition of Bolivia in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Playing at the iconic Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, Messi dazzled the home crowd in only his second appearance since recovering from an injury sustained during the Copa America in July.

Argentina took the lead in the 19th minute when Messi capitalised on a defensive error by Bolivia's Marcelo Suarez, coolly slotting the ball past goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra. Though Viscarra made several strong saves to keep Bolivia in the game, he could do little to stop Lautaro Mart­nez from doubling Argentina's lead in the 43rd minute, finishing off a quick assist from Messi.

Just before halftime, Messi set up Julián lvarez to make it 3-0, sending Argentina into the break in total control. The second half continued in the same vein, with Argentina dominating possession and creating chances. Nicolás Otamendi thought he had added a fourth goal, but it was ruled out for offside.

Substitute Thiago Almada finally made it 4-0 in the 70th minute after connecting with a pass from Nahuel Molina. As the Monumental Stadium turned into a carnival atmosphere, Messi thrilled the fans further, scoring his second goal of the night with a brilliant solo effort, dribbling past two defenders and unleashing a powerful shot past Viscarra.

Just two minutes later, Messi completed his hat-trick, becoming only the second player after Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo to score 10 international hat-tricks. His left-footed strike brought his total to 112 international goals, capping off a stunning performance and a memorable night for Argentina, who continue their perfect run in the World Cup qualifiers.

What Messi said after the game?

Messi said that he felt nice to be back in Buenos Aires and feel the affection of the fans and it drives him. The Argentine star said he feels like a kid in the team as he is comfortable with them.

"It's really nice to come here, to feel the affection of the people, it moves me how they shout my name," Messi said.

"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, I'll keep enjoying it."

Argentina sit atop the standings with 22 points, bouncing back in style after a brief stumble following their defeat to Colombia last month and a draw against Venezuela last week.