The prolific striker scores record-equalling hat-trick in the game
BUENOS AIRES:
Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass, scoring a hat trick as Argentina cruised to a 6-0 victory over Bolivia in their CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.
At 37, Messi once again proved his enduring brilliance with three precise finishes, two assists, and his signature creativity throughout the game. Argentina, led by Lionel Scaloni, dominated from start to finish.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner opened the scoring in the 19th minute after Lautaro Martinez dispossessed Bolivian defender Marcelo Suarez and set Messi up to calmly slot the ball into the bottom corner.
The crowd at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium erupted again in the 43rd minute when Julian Alvarez threaded a perfect pass to Messi, who unselfishly squared the ball for Martinez to score.
Just three minutes later, Alvarez found the net himself, capitalizing on a quick free-kick as Messi chipped the ball over Bolivia’s defense, allowing the Atletico Madrid forward to finish.
After the break, Nicolas Otamendi had a goal ruled out for offside, but Argentina soon scored their fourth as Thiago Almada fired home after a clever pull-back from Nahuel Molina.
Messi completed his hat trick in style. In the 84th minute, he dribbled past defenders, switched from his left foot to his right, and drove the ball into the bottom corner. Two minutes later, Messi added another with a brilliant give-and-go with substitute Nico Paz, placing the ball beyond the Bolivian goalkeeper.
Argentina remains atop the 10-team standings with 22 points from 10 matches, three points clear of second-placed Colombia, who thrashed Chile 4-0 in Barranquilla.
Colombians Crush Chile
Wearing a special retro kit to celebrate the Colombian Football Federation’s centenary, Colombia delivered an equally stylish performance, dismantling a struggling Chilean side now anchored at the bottom of the group.
Defender Davinson Sanchez opened the scoring in the 34th minute, heading home after Jhon Lucumi redirected a James Rodriguez corner. Jhon Cordoba appeared to add a second before halftime, but his goal was disallowed for offside.
Chile gifted Colombia their second goal seven minutes after the break, as a defensive error from Benjamin Kusevic allowed Rodriguez to set up Luis Diaz for an easy finish. Substitute Jhon Duran made it 3-0 in the 82nd minute after another Chilean giveaway led to a Sinisterra break, setting up Duran to score. Sinisterra added a fourth in stoppage time to seal the win.
Brazil and Paraguay Triumph
Brazil eased past Peru with a 4-0 victory in Brasilia. Barcelona winger Raphinha converted two penalties—one in the 38th minute following a handball by Carlos Zambrano and the second in the 54th minute after a foul on Savinho by the same defender. The third goal came courtesy of Andreas Pereira, who scored with a stunning scissor-kick volley. Luiz Henrique rounded off the win with a left-footed strike from outside the box.
Meanwhile, Paraguay kept their qualification hopes alive with a 2-1 comeback win over Venezuela. Jon Aramburu put Venezuela ahead in the 25th minute, but substitute Antonio Sanabria turned the game around for Paraguay, scoring twice, including a 74th-minute header that secured the victory.
Uruguay and Ecuadorplayed out a goalless draw.