Messi scores hat trick as Argentina outclasses Bolivia in South American World Cup qualifying

Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first aim in South American Qualifiers at Estadio Mas Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Tuesday (October 15, 2024).
| Photograph Credit score: Reuters

A hat trick and two assists: Lionel Messi got here again in type for Argentina in its 6-0 dwelling win in a South American World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday (October 15, 2024).

The famous person, who missed the 2 rounds of the competitors in October resulting from a proper ankle damage, performed from begin to end on Tuesday (October 15, 2024) in entrance of raucous followers on the Monumental de Nuñez Stadium, who chanted his identify after he opened the scoring within the nineteenth minute.

The consequence saved the World Cup champions as leaders of the round-robin competitors with 22 factors after 10 matches, three factors away from second-place Colombia, who earlier beat Chile 4-0. Uruguay is in third place with 16 factors after a goalless draw with Ecuador.

Messi’s first aim got here after a mistake by a Bolivian defender, who missed a cross and allowed the 37-year-old Messi to run freely and end unchallenged in entrance of goalkeeper Billy Viscarra. Messi assisted on Lautaro Martínez’s aim within the 42th minute and gave a decisive cross as soon as once more in added time on a aim by Julián Álvarez.

Argentina appeared to gradual its tempo after the break, however scored once more with Thiago Almada within the 69th minute. The striker scored from shut vary after a low cross by Nahuel Molina.

Messi’s present had two nice ending touches from the sting of the field, the primary within the 84th and the second within the 86th minute.

“We loved this, we’re joyful to be right here taking part in in Argentina,” mentioned Messi, who as soon as once more refused to say whether or not he’ll play within the subsequent World Cup in 2026. “This might be one of many final (matches in entrance of the Argentinian crowd).”

Bolivia, which is in search of to qualify for the World Cup for the primary time in 30 years, stays in competition with 12 factors.

Chile’s loss to Colombia has positioned the job of coach Ricardo Gareca in danger. Davinson Sánchez, Luis Díaz, Jhon Durán and Luis Sinistierra scored the objectives for Colombia. Chile is in final place within the qualifying group with solely 5 factors.

Paraguay beat Venezuela 2-1 and moved right into a qualifying place within the standings. Jon Aramburo opened the scoring for the guests within the twenty fifth minute, however striker Antonio Sarabia got here from the bench to win it for the hosts with objectives within the 59th and 74th minutes.

Two extra rounds of South American World Cup qualifying will probably be performed in November.