Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring goal in FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match against Bolivia. (Picture Credit: AP)
Messi scored three goals and provided two assists for Argentina in the 6-0 win over Bolivia during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match played on Wednesday.
Lionel Messi was on fire for Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match played against Bolivia on Wednesday (October 16). The eight-time Ballon d’Or scored a hat-trick for the 2022 FIFA World Cup winners and also provided two assists to set up a 6-0 win. After scoring his 10th international hat-trick, Messi said that he feels like a kid whenever he plays for Argentina and added that he has not set a deadline regarding his future.
“It’s great to come here (Buenos Aires) and to feel the affection of the people. I’m moved by the way they shout my name. We all enjoy the connection with the people, and we love playing in Argentina. We’re happy about the win,” Messi said after the match.
“I haven’t set a date or deadline regarding my future; I just want to enjoy it all. I’m more excited than ever to be here and feel the affection of the people, because I know that these could be the last games. I hope I achieve my goals to end the year well at the club and then enjoy each day step by step,” he added.
According to him, despite his age, he feels like a kid when he plays for Argentina, and as long as he is feeling good, he wants to continue playing and enjoying it.
“This is what motivates me. Enjoying being happy where I am. Despite my age, when I’m here, I feel like a kid because I feel comfortable with this team. As long as I feel good and can continue to perform as I intend, we’ll continue to enjoy it,” said the Argentine captain.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner opened the scoring in the 19th minute when Bolivian defender Marcelo Suarez was robbed by Lautaro Martinez, who sent Messi clear and he cleverly slotted into the bottom corner.
The home crowd at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium were on their feet again in the 43rd minute when Julian Alvarez threaded a brilliant pass through to Messi, who unselfishly squared the ball to Martinez to finish.
Three minutes later, Alvarez was on target himself when Bolivia were caught sleeping at a free-kick, Messi chipping the ball over the top, and the Atletico Madrid forward slotted home.
After the break, Nicolas Otamendi had a header ruled out for offside, but the home fans didn’t have long to wait for the fourth when Thiago Almada side-footed home after a superb pull-back from Nahuel Molina.
A classic Messi goal made it 5-0 in the 84th—the Inter Miami forward dribbling centrally before switching from his left foot to his right and burying the ball into the bottom corner.
Two minutes later, some fans were in tears after Messi cut in from the right, played a smart wall pass off substitute Nico Paz, and again put the ball beyond the reach of goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra.
Argentina are top of the 10-team table with 22 points from ten games—three points clear of second-place Colombia, who crushed Chile 4-0 in Barranquilla.
(With inputs from AFP)