The national team thrashed Bolivia 6-0 with a hat trick from Lionel Messi, consolidating their position at the top of the standings, three points ahead of their nearest rivals.
Argentina returned to winning ways in the South American qualifiers, throwing a true celebration at the Monumental Stadium as they defeated Bolivia 6-0 in the tenth round of the competition, taking another significant step towards the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Despite Bolivia’s intelligent game plan at the start, closing spaces and aiming to keep possession whenever they regained the ball, La Albiceleste broke the deadlock with Messi’s goal following effective pressure from Lautaro Martínez. From there, Argentina orchestrated a recital, overwhelming their Bolivian opponents, who had come into the match on a three-game winning streak.
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted the second goal after a well-placed assist from Julián Álvarez and a generous pass from the captain Messi, who elected to set up his teammate instead of going for goal himself. The third came from a quick thinking Messi with a free kick, allowing Atlético Madrid’s striker to bring the ball under control and finish with a volley.
The attacking trio functioned flawlessly. With substitutions, the show went on. Thiago Almada capped off an incredible play in the second half, and at the end, Messi appeared again to increase his tally. The best player on the planet received the ball inside the area and, with his right foot, slotted it home to make it five. Moments later, Messi’s magical left foot came into play for the sixth. With this, Leo reached a total of 112 goals with the national team, 23 of which have come in World Cup qualifiers.
This emphatic victory allowed the national team to break a mini streak of two matches without a win (one defeat to Colombia 1-2 in Barranquilla and a 1-1 draw against Venezuela in Maturín, where the field was flooded).
It was a remarkable performance from Lionel Scaloni’s side that solidified their position at the forefront of the South American classification for the 2026 World Cup to be held in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The current status of the national team confirms the successful journey that began six years ago.
Argentina now sits on 22 points, three ahead of Colombia, who thrashed Chile 4-0. Next are Uruguay and Brazil, both on 16 points, followed by Ecuador and Paraguay with 13. Despite the heavy defeat to Argentina, Bolivia stands seventh and remains in the playoff zone with 12 points.
The senior national team will conclude its year in the qualifying tournament with two matchdays in November: they will visit Paraguay on the 14th at 19:30 for the eleventh round and will host Peru on Tuesday the 19th. After this, the competition will take a break. It remains to be seen whether it will resume in March, when a clash between Uruguay and La Albiceleste is scheduled in Montevideo; or if there will be an opportunity for a double-header of friendlies prior to the official action.
