Lionel Messi Reacts To Scoring HAT-TRICK In Argentina 6-0 Victory Over Bolivia In 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

Lionel Messi reacts after making a five-goal contributions to help his country thrash Bolivia 6-0 in front of a packed Estadio Mas Monumental crowd in Buenos Aires on Tuesday night.

The Inter Miami star put a show on for Argentina fans all around the world, scoring three goals (hat-trick) and recording two assists in the 6-0 victory over Bolivia in 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying game.

It was a record-breaking 10th international hat-trick for Messi who only made his second international appearance since recovering from an ankle injury sustained at the Copa America final in July.

The Argentine skipper returned to club action in September and has scored five goals in six Major League Soccer (MLS) appearances since his comeback.

Messi capitalised on a mistake by defender Marcelo Suarez to open the scoring in the 19th minute.

Bolivia goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra made a couple of fine saves to prevent the hosts from extending their lead but he was beaten in the 43rd minute when Lautaro Martinez scored from Messi's quick cross.

Argentina made it 3-0 just before the break, through Julian Alvarez after the Atletico Madrid forward had been found by a quick Messi free-kick.

In the second half, Lionel Scaloni's side still maintained control and looked like they had extended their lead through Nicolas Otamendi, only to see the goal disallowed for offside.

After series of substitution, substitute Thiago Almada did make it 4-0, the ex-Atlanta man scored from Nahuel Molina's pass in the 70th minute.

Messi left the fans in frenzy, and gave them more reason to celebrate in the closing moments, beating two Bolivia defenders before unleashing a fierce shot past Viscarra to score his second in the 84th minute.

The eight-time Ballond'or winner only needed two more minutes to complete his hat-trick as he scored with a left-footed drive after after combining with Nico Paz in the 86th minute.

He joins Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo with the most hat-tricks (10) in men's international football.

His hat-trick took his tally to 112 international goals for his country, a figure bettered only by Cristiano Ronaldo’s 133 for Portugal in men’s international football.

It's also took Messi career total goals to 846, which is just 60 goals behind Ronaldo's record-breaking 906 career goals as both stars enter the last years of their career.

Can Messi catch Ronaldo?

Meanwhile, Messi is now only 1 assist away from the most ever in international football, his 57 assists is second to Landon Donovan (58).

“It’s really nice to come here, to feel the affection of the people, it moves me how they shout my name” Messi said.

“This drives me. I’m enjoying being happy where I am. Despite my age, when I’m here, I feel like a kid because I’m comfortable with this team. As long as I feel good and can keep performing the way I want, I’ll keep enjoying it.”

The 37-year-old said in 2022 that the Qatar World Cup would be his last, but did not rule out playing at the 2026 edition of the tournament for La Albiceleste, as Ronaldo remains eager to represent Portugal in his final major tournament.

"I haven’t set any date or deadline regarding my future, I just want to enjoy all of this. It moves me more than ever to be here and feel the love of the people because I know these could be my last matches."

Messi will be 38 when the next World Cup, staged in the United States, Mexico and Canada, begins and will turn 39 during the tournament.

Tuesday’s victory leaves Argentina top of their South American World Cup qualifying group with 22 points from 10 games.

They are three points clear of second-placed Colombia at the top and six above arch-rivals Brazil despite losing to Colombia in September and drawing with Venezuela last week.

The top six teams will qualify automatically for the world biggest sporting event.

Argentina will next return to action in November 14 against Paraguay.

On the same night of Messi's heroics, Ronaldo failed to score for Portugal, as they played out a 0-0 draw in Scotland in the UEFA Nations League.

Ronaldo was clearly frustrated after the game and could be seen throwing tantrums.

Both stars will return to club football with Inter Miami and Al Nassr and the battle is expected to continue until the end of the 2025 season.

🇦🇷 Lionel Messi for Argentina national team so far:

👕 188 games

⚽️ 112 goals

🎯 57 assists 

🤝 169 G/A in 188 games

🏆 2x Copa America 

🏆 World Cup 

🏆 Finalissima 

⭐ 2x World Cup golden ball 

⭐ 2x Copa America best player 

⭐ Copa America golden boot.