In a match showcasing classic Messi brilliance, Argentina decimated Bolivia in their quest for World Cup qualification, courtesy of Messi’s masterclass, netting a trio of goals and dishing out a pair of assists on a Tuesday night football fiesta.
The Monumental de Nuñez Stadium buzzed with electric energy, watching Argentina crush Bolivia 6-0 while Messi basked in the passion of the home supporters. “You could feel the love pouring from the fans here,” Messi said post-match, embracing the palpable connection with the Argentinian crowd. He revealed he was keen to cherish time with the national squad, knowing retirement looms on the horizon.
Post-game, Messi’s thoughts turned to his soccer saga and the potential to defend his title at the 2026 World Cup. “I’ve set no timelines on my future,” admitted Messi, bearing his soul, “I’m riding the wave and embracing all the affection because I realize these might be my twilight moments on the field.”
The football virtuoso, sidelined during September due to a nagging ankle injury, delivered a tour de force for a full 90 minutes. This outing marked a historic footnote for Messi – his maiden feat of multiple goals and assists for Argentina in a single match. Further cementing his legendary status, the hat trick propelled him to a stunning 112 international goals, equaling Cristiano Ronaldo’s tally for hat tricks in career play.
The opening goal materialized from a Bolivian lapse, where a defensive blunder allowed 37-year-old Messi to glide unopposed to beat keeper Billy Viscarra. By the 42nd minute, Messi set the stage for Lautaro Martínez’s strike, further threading a perfect assist to Julián Álvarez in stoppage time.
Though Argentina eased their pace following halftime, Thiago Almada reignited the scoreline in the 69th minute, capitalizing on a low Nahuel Molina cross.
Messi wrapped up his show-stopping performance with two iconic strikes from the box’s fringe at the 84th and 86th minutes. A radiant Messi, aged 37 but brimming with youthful exuberance, reveled in the camaraderie with his teammates. “To stand here, relishing this chapter, surrounded by youthful talent, makes me nostalgic for my younger days,” Messi confessed. “I find myself in light-hearted antics because I’m so at ease. As long as this feeling endures and I can contribute, I’ll remain committed to our beloved team.”
The delight in Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni’s expression mirrored that of the nation, witnessing their star performer shine. Scaloni expressed, “I only implore him to keep striding onto the pitch as long as he’s able. It’s sheer delight watching him play. He continually leaves us awestruck.”
This victory not only secured Argentina’s top spot in the qualification league with a commanding 22 points over 10 matches but kept them three points ahead of second-place Colombia, who decimated Chile 4-0. Uruguay sits third with 16 points following a stalemate with Ecuador.
The next phase of South American World Cup qualifiers mounts in November, as squads prepare for the 2026 World Cup, an anticipated showdown with 48 teams vying for glory across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The Associated Press contributed some elements to this narrative.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
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