Messi shines with a hat-trick: Argentina’s goal celebration against Bolivia

Lionel Messi delighted the football world again by scoring an impressive hat-trick and playing a key role in two more goals. In the South American qualification for the 2026 World Cup, the Argentine national team celebrated a stunning 6-0 victory against Bolivia. In just his second international appearance since being injured at the Copa America in July, Messi pounced on a mistake by Bolivian defender Marcelo Suarez to give Argentina the lead with his 19th-minute goal minute. Despite some incredible saves from Bolivian goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra, he could not prevent the score from being 2-0 when Lautaro Martinez scored from a quick Messi assist just before half-time. Soon after, the Argentines scored their third goal through Julian Alvarez, again assisted by Messi. The team held the upper hand in the second half of the game. Substitute Thiago Almada made it 4-0 in the 70th minute after an assist from Nahuel Molina, before Messi rounded off the half-dozen with two late goals to complete his incredible performance. Copa America winners Argentina now lead the qualifying table with 22 points and are three points ahead of Colombia. The 2026 World Cup will be held in the USA, Mexico and Canada.