After winning the elusive World Cup trophy with Argentina in 2022, one would have forgiven Lionel Messi if he decided to retire to a life free of the pressure of international football. However, at 37, the Inter Miami superstar continues to amaze as he delivered a standout performance in Argentina's 6-0 thrashing of Bolivia in their CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifier on Tuesday night.
Playing in front of the electric home fans at the Estadio Mâs Monumental in Buenos Aires for the first time in over a year, Messi scored a sensational hat-trick and assisted two more goals against Bolivia to cap a performance that kept his country at the top of the World Cup Qualifying table with 22 points from 10 games.
An Excellent First Half
Starting the game the best way possible, Messi put Argentina in front in the 19th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Bolivia's Marcelo Suarez—under pressure from Lautaro Martinez— before calmly delivering a side-footed finish to the right of the goalkeeper’s outstretched leg.
After being denied a number of good chances to extend their lead through some fine saves from Bolivia's goalkeeper, including one from an excellent Messi free kick that was headed for the top corner, the hosts finally found a way through in the 43rd minute. Messi, playing off the shoulder of the last defender, was found in space by a pin-point through ball from Julian Alvarez, who had dropped deep into midfield.
Finding himself one-on-one with the Bolivia goalkeeper, Messi opted to square the ball towards his left to Lautaro Martinez, who gratefully latched onto it and tapped into an empty net. It was not to be the last major action of the half, however, as Messi again found Julian Alvarez from a quickly taken freekick. The new Atletico Madrid striker controlled the ball and applied a calm finish beyond the onrushing goalkeeper to cap off a fine half for the hosts.
Another Vintage Performance
Argentina emerged buzzing from the tunnel for the second half and controlled the game quite well, inching close to getting a fourth on a few occasions and denying the visitors any chance of a comeback.
Their fate was eventually sealed in the 70th minute by another well-worked team move from Argentina. Ezequiel Palacios found Nahuel Molina unmarked on the right wing with a wonderful pass from midfield, who applied a first time volleyed cross into the box for substitute Thiago Almada to guide beyond the goalkeeper’s dive and into the net.
Messi would fittingly have the last say of the game as he added two more goals to complete his 10th hat-trick of an illustrious international career, second of which came after a quick give-and-go.
It was another vintage performance from Inter Miami's star man as he winds down on a glittering career, but he was quick to stress just how much he was enjoying himself and not thinking much about retirement. Speaking to journalists after the game, he said, “I didn't set any date or deadline about my future, I'm just enjoying all this. I am more emotional than ever and taking all the love from the people because I know these can be my last games.”
In his post match remarks, Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni was left in awe of his captain's performance. “He never ceases to amaze me. Enjoying this, being able to sit on this bench and see the things he does and his team supporting him. It is something wonderful, it never ceases to surprise us. Let him play as long as he can, that is the only thing I ask of him because it is a pleasure to see him and have him on a football pitch.”
Despite not winning in their last two CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, they are still top of the standings, 3 points clear of Colombia going into November’s fixtures against Paraguay and Peru. Who knows, perhaps Lionel Messi’s hotly debated decision to move to the less demanding MLS will ultimately keep him in good shape for the 2026 World Cup.