Messi gala, Raphinha double package: Clear benefits for Argentina and Brazil

Three goals, two assists against Bolivia: Argentine Lionel Messi

IMAGO/PHOTOxPHOTO

Lionel Messi put on a gala performance in World Cup qualification. In the impressive 6-0 victory against Bolivia at the Estadio Memorial in the capital city of Buenos Aires, Messi scored three goals and set up two.

Messi scored the first goal in the 19th minute for the Albiceleste, who found their way back to success after two games without a win. Shortly before half time, Lautaro Martínez increased the score to 3-0 after a good attack from his half and Julian Alvarez.

Even after the break, the reigning world champions led by national coach Lionel Scaloni did not give up, Thiago Almada scored the fourth goal in the 69th minute. Shortly before the end, it was Messi again who scored twice in two minutes and completed half a dozen for the Argentines.

After the great victory, the Albiceleste kept their place at the top of the table in South America with 22 points.

Raphinha opens with a brace – Brazil are once again convincing

World champions Brazil also impressed with a 4-0 win against Peru. First, Raphinha scored twice for the Selecao – the FC Barcelona professional converted two penalty kicks.

Andreas Pereira made it 3-0 with a side kick in the 71st minute, before Luiz Henrique got the final score three minutes later. Appearing against the last team in World Cup qualification in South America, the reigning world champion once again delivered an emphatic performance after a few poor performances. In the last three matches, Brazil celebrated two narrow victories in Chile (2:1) and against Ecuador (1:0), but lost in Paraguay 0:1.

However, thanks to the victory against Peru on day ten, Brazil remains in fourth place with 16 points in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. The first six of ten teams qualify directly for the finals, the seventh team must go into relegation.

In mid-November, Brazil will face Venezuela and Argentina will play Paraguay.