In front of an electrifying home crowd in Buenos Aires, Lionel Messi delivered a footballing clinic, orchestrating a breathtaking 6-0 annihilation of Bolivia in a World Cup qualifier. The Argentine talisman dazzled his fans with a hat-trick and two assists, capping off an unforgettable evening at Estadio Más Monumental. Making his first appearance on home soil in 334 days, Messi left the Argentine faithful spellbound, reminding the world of his unrivaled brilliance.
This performance was nothing short of historic—it marked Messi’s 10th career hat-trick for Argentina, his first match where he both scored multiple goals and provided multiple assists for the national team. The maestro’s display showcased a level of mastery that few can replicate, as he seamlessly directed his team to victory.
Messi’s return to Argentina, fresh off a two-month recovery from a right ankle injury sustained during the Copa América final, was a potent reminder of his continued greatness. Despite his recent injury setback, the 37-year-old showed no signs of slowing down, increasing his international goal tally to 112, surpassing Iran’s Ali Daei and closing in on Cristiano Ronaldo’s 133 goals.
The night, however, wasn’t just about numbers—it was about the deep emotional connection between Messi and his fans. After the game, Messi reflected on the overwhelming support from the crowd: “Playing here, feeling the love of the people, it’s truly special. It moves me when they shout my name. We enjoy this bond, and we love playing in Argentina. We’re happy to have secured the win.” His words resonated with the jubilant fans who had been chanting his name all night.
Messi’s goals came in spectacular fashion. He opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a precise strike after a well-timed pass from Lautaro Martínez. Before halftime, he added two assists, setting up goals for Martínez and Julián Álvarez. As the match wore on, Messi was far from done, delivering a sensational brace in the 84th and 86th minutes, securing his hat-trick and cementing an unforgettable performance.
The match highlighted Messi’s imperious form, just ahead of his MLS Cup playoff campaign with Inter Miami. His excellence left his loyal supporters pondering a significant question: how much longer will they witness such moments of footballing genius? Despite the speculation about his future, Messi remains focused on the present. “I haven’t set a date for when I’ll stop. Right now, I’m just enjoying every moment,” he stated, underlining his passion for the game.
With his contract at Inter Miami running until 2025, the possibility of Messi gracing the pitch at the 2026 World Cup remains open, though nothing is guaranteed. What is certain is that Messi continues to inspire, leaving fans with cherished memories of his brilliance, even as the sunset of his international career draws closer.
This performance in Buenos Aires was more than just a victory—it was a reminder of why Lionel Messi is, and will forever be, a footballing legend.