Historic Achievement in World Cup Qualifiers
On October 16, 2024, Lionel Messi etched his name further into football history by scoring his 10th international hat-trick during Argentina’s resounding 6-0 victory over Bolivia in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. This remarkable feat ties him with Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, making Messi only the second player to achieve this milestone.
Dominance on the Field
Messi’s stellar performance not only showcased his exceptional skills but also his determination as he contributed to two additional goals, leading Argentina to an impressive win at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. This victory brings Argentina’s points tally to 22 from 10 matches, keeping them in a strong position for their 14th consecutive World Cup appearance, three points ahead of second-placed Colombia, who defeated Chile 4-0.
A Triumphant Return
The match marked Messi’s second appearance since recovering from an injury he sustained during the Copa America final against Colombia in July. He opened the scoring in the 19th minute, capitalizing on a defensive blunder by Bolivia’s Marcelo Suarez, and coolly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra.
Following his opener, Messi provided a smart assist to Lautaro Martínez, doubling Argentina’s lead, and set up Julián Álvarez for a third goal just before halftime, sending the team into the break with a commanding 3-0 advantage.
Second-Half Brilliance
Argentina maintained their dominance in the second half, with substitute Thiago Almada scoring the fourth goal in the 70th minute. Messi then added his second goal with a brilliant solo effort, before completing his hat-trick to round off a spectacular night.
With this performance, Messi now boasts 112 goals in 187 appearances for the national team, closing in on Ronaldo’s impressive record.
Post-Match Reflections
After the match, Messi expressed his joy at returning to play in Buenos Aires and felt energized by the fans’ support. “It’s really nice to come here, to feel the affection of the people, it moves me how they shout my name,” he said. “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.”
As Messi continues to dazzle on the pitch, fans around the world eagerly anticipate what more he will achieve in his illustrious career.
