Classic Messi Scores Hat-Trick as Argentina Thrashes Bolivia 6-0

Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass performance, scoring a classic hat-trick as Argentina triumphed 6-0 over Bolivia in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday. The 37-year-old superstar showcased his remarkable talent with three precise goals, two assists, and his signature creativity throughout the match, helping his team assert dominance.

Messi kicked off the scoring in the 19th minute when Bolivian defender Marcelo Suarez lost possession to Lautaro Martinez, who set Messi up to deftly slot the ball into the bottom corner. The crowd at Buenos Aires' Monumental Stadium erupted again in the 43rd minute when Julian Alvarez made a brilliant pass to Messi, who selflessly squared the ball to Martinez for an easy finish.

Just three minutes later, Alvarez found the net himself, taking advantage of a lapse in Bolivia's defense during a free-kick. Messi chipped the ball over the top, allowing the Atletico Madrid forward to score.

In the second half, Nicolás Otamendi had a goal ruled out for offside, but the home crowd didn’t have to wait long for the fourth goal. Thiago Almada scored from a well-placed pull-back by Nahuel Molina.

Messi added a classic goal in the 84th minute, weaving through defenders before switching from his left to right foot and placing the ball into the corner of the net. Two minutes later, he left fans in tears as he cut in from the right, executed a clever wall pass with substitute Nico Paz, and once again found the back of the net, sealing the 6-0 victory.

Argentina's Lineup:
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Gerónimo Rulli
Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico
Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez
Substitutes: Exequiel Palacios, Thiago Almada, Alexis Mac Allister, Lautaro Martínez, Lisandro Martínez

Bolivia's Lineup:
Formation: 5-4-1
Goalkeeper: Guillermo Viscarra
Defenders: Diego Medina, Luis Haquin, Marcelo Suárez, José Sagredo, Roberto Fernández
Midfielders: Miguelito, Robson Matheus, Gabriel Villamil, Ramiro Vaca
Forward:Carmelo Algarañaz
Substitutes: Luis Paz, Lucas Chávez, Enzo Monteiro, Adalid Terrazas

With this impressive victory, Argentina leads the 10-team qualifying table with 22 points from 10 matches, three points ahead of Colombia, who also achieved a significant 4-0 win against Chile in Barranquilla. 

In that match, Colombia showcased their style, donning a special retro kit to celebrate the Colombian Football Federation's centenary. Defender Davinson Sanchez opened the scoring with a header, followed by Luis Diaz and Jhon Duran adding goals to secure the victory. 

Meanwhile, Paraguay kept their qualification hopes alive with a 2-1 win over Venezuela, featuring two goals from substitute Antonio Sanabria. 

Uruguay and Ecuador played to a goalless draw in another match of the night. 

Match Results:
Argentina 6 (Messi 19, 84, 86; Lautaro 43; Alvarez 45+3; Almada 69) Bolivia 0
Colombia 4 (Davinson 34; Diaz 52; Duran 82; Sinisterra 90+3) Chile 0
Paraguay 2 (Sanabria 59, 74) Venezuela 1 (Aramburu 25)
Uruguay 0 Ecuador 0