WATCH: Lionel Messi equals Cristiano Ronaldo’s massive RECORD, scores hat-tricks in Argentina’s 6-0 win over Bolivia

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick and was involved in two assists as Argentina hammered Bolivia 6-0 in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match in Buenos Aires.

Argentina football legend Lionel Messi is ageing like fine wine. On Tuesday night, in a 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifier match against Bolivia, Messi scored his record 10th international hat-trick and had a hand in two more assists as the defending world champions posted a 6-0 win at the Estadio Mas Monumental (River Plate Stadium) in Buenos Aires.

With this hat-trick, Messi equaled the massive record of Cristiano Ronaldo for most number of international hat-tricks. Both Ronaldo and Messi now lead the way with 10 hat-tricks, with Iran’s Ali Daei at 9.

WATCH Lionel Messi score his record 10th hat-trick in international football HERE…

MESSI HAT TRICK. Continually makes the sublime look routine. His second of three goals and two assists in a 6-0 rout of Bolivia. Casual genius. 🇦🇷 🐐 pic.twitter.com/fYQfAisieU

— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) October 16, 2024

Making only his second international appearance since recovering from an injury sustained at the Copa America 2024 in July, Messi capitalised on a mistake by defender Marcelo Suarez to open the scoring in the 19th minute. Lautaro Martínez applied pressure on the back line and Lionel Messi got to the loose ball, cut inside the penalty area and scored to give Argentina the 1-0 lead.

Bolivia goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra made a couple of fine saves to prevent the hosts from extending their lead but he was beaten in the 43rd minute when Lautaro Martinez scored from Messi’s quick cross.

Argentina made it 3-0 just before the break, Messi setting up Julian Alvarez to score. Argentina controlled the second half and substitute Thiago Almada added a fourth from Nahuel Molina’s pass in the 70th minute before Messi scored twice late on to cap a terrific performance.

Copa America winners Argentina top the standings on 22 points, three clear of Colombia. The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

After the match, Messi confirmed that he will be available for Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a couple of years’ time. “I know people love me and chant my name every time I wear this shirt. This is a blessing. As I have already mentioned before that the next World Cup will be my last. I’m definitely staying,” Messi said.

It was Messi’s first home match in Argentina in 334 days, and the Inter Miami striker left fans at Estadio Mâs Monumental in Buenos Aires with a night to remember.