MONTEVIDEO, OCT 16 – Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick as world champions Argentina beat Bolivia 6-0 in a CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier yesterday.
The 37-year-old gave stark reminders of his quality with three clinical finishes, two assists and some exciting moves throughout the game as Lionel Scaloni’s side dominated.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner opened the scoring in the 19th minute when a ball from Bolivian defender Marcelo Suarez was picked up by Lautaro Martinez, who passed to Messi and he cleverly slotted into the bottom corner.
The home crowd at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium roared back in the 43rd minute when Julian Alvarez sent a brilliant pass to Messi, who unselfishly slotted the ball past Martinez to score again.
Three minutes later, Alvarez looked for a chance when Bolivia missed a free kick, Messi flicked the ball over before the Atletico Madrid forward scored into the net.
After the break, Nicolas Otamendi’s header was ruled out for offside but the home fans did not have to wait long for a fourth goal when Thiago Almada headed home after a great move from Nahuel Molina.
Messi’s classic goal made it 5-0 in the 84th minute when the Inter Miami striker dribbled from the middle of the pitch before switching from left to right foot and firing into the bottom corner.
Two minutes later, Messi again burst in from the right, playing a smart pass to substitute Nico Paz before once again firing the ball beyond goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra’s reach.
Argentina top the 10-team table with 22 points from ten games, three ahead of second-placed Colombia, who also thrashed Chile 4-0 in Barranquilla. – AFP
