In a display of pure footballing mastery, Lionel Messi orchestrated a 6-0 demolition of Bolivia in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers on Tuesday, solidifying Argentina’s position at the top of the table. The reigning world champions, led by the legendary Messi, showcased their dominance with a performance that left their opponents bewildered.
Messi, at 37, provided a timeless reminder of his enduring brilliance, scoring a vintage hat trick and contributing two assists. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner opened the scoring in the 19th minute, skillfully slotting the ball past the Bolivian goalkeeper after a brilliant pass from Lautaro Martinez. The home crowd at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium erupted with delight as their hero found the back of the net.
The scoring spree continued in the 43rd minute when Julian Alvarez threaded a perfectly weighted pass to Messi, who selflessly laid the ball off for Martinez to finish. Just three minutes later, Alvarez added his name to the scoresheet after Bolivia was caught napping at a free-kick, receiving a precise chip from Messi and converting the opportunity with ease.
The second half saw Argentina continue their relentless assault, with Thiago Almada extending their lead to four goals in the 58th minute after a mesmerizing pull-back from Nahuel Molina. Messi’s second goal of the night came in the 84th minute, a testament to his exceptional dribbling skills and finishing ability. The Inter Miami forward showcased his trademark agility, dribbling through the heart of the Bolivian defense before unleashing a powerful shot into the bottom corner.
The final goal of the evening was a testament to Messi’s unwavering commitment to his craft. Two minutes after scoring his second goal, Messi orchestrated a smart wall pass with substitute Nico Paz, before calmly putting the ball beyond the reach of the Bolivian goalkeeper, Guillermo Viscarra. The moment sparked tears of joy among many of the fans present, a testament to the profound impact Messi continues to have on the sport.
With this emphatic victory, Argentina sits comfortably at the top of the 10-team CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table with 22 points from 10 games, three points ahead of second-placed Colombia. The team is poised for a strong run towards qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with Messi spearheading their campaign. The performance against Bolivia was a clear indication of the team’s strength and ambition as they prepare for the next chapter in their global football journey.