The World Cup qualifying match delivered a breathtaking performance when Lionel Messi demonstrated again why people consider him an all-time football great. During Argentina’s 6-0 triumph over Bolivia Messi scored three times and provided two assists while dominating the game. The first hat trick Messi achieved for Argentina post-March 2023 left fans in complete awe and strengthened his legendary football status.
The football match reminded everyone including longtime Messi supporters and general enthusiasts that the 37-year-old legend retains a significant amount to share with the game. Following are the major events from this historic game as Argentina and Messi prepare for their future path.
The Highlights of Messi’s Masterclass Performance
1. The Opening Goal (19th Minute)
At the beginning of the match Messi started displaying his magical football skills. At the 19th minute Lautaro Martinez delivered a quick pass that enabled Messi to score a clinical strike from the bottom right corner which became the opening score of the match. Messi scored the first goal while demonstrating pinpoint accuracy which gave Argentina their opening advantage.
⚽️⚽️⚽️ ¡HAT-TRICK DE LEO MESSI!
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) October 16, 2024
Otra vez Lionel, tres goles y dos asistencias en la noche 😍
🇦🇷 #Argentina 6-0 #Bolivia 🇧🇴
📺📱 EN VIVO por @NBCUniverso y Telemundo APP ➡️ https://t.co/v8GxDL2T2P#RumboAlMundial #MundialTelemundo #EliminatoriasSudamericanas pic.twitter.com/qrFhjwqlbr
2. Two Key Assists Before Halftime
Messi moved past scoring by establishing numerous assist opportunities during the first half period. The Spanish midfielder delivered a perfect assist to Martinez so he could score the second goal at the 43rd minute mark. During stoppage time Messi delivered an exceptional pass which led Julian Alvarez to score and give Argentina a 3-0 advantage.
3. A Hat Trick to Remember
After showing his heroic first-half performance Messi completed the match by scoring two additional goals one right after the other. Messi scored his third goal of the game while also achieving a hat trick during the 86th minute after another successful attempt in the 84th minute. The spectators at the stadium stood as one body to celebrate their national hero after watching his scoring achievements.
Messi’s Legacy: What Comes Next?
This match proved once again how Messi remains brilliant but it sparks curiosity about his future playing career. From his current Inter Miami contract until 2025 Messi can continue making history through potential participation in the 2026 World Cup. The Argentina captain recognizes these matches might represent his final appearances for the national team but he has established no fixed departure date.
¡GOLAAAZO DE ARGENTINA! ⚽️
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) October 16, 2024
Thiago Almada se une a la fiesta y marca el cuarto del partido 🧨💥
🇦🇷 #Argentina 4-0 #Bolivia 🇧🇴
📺📱 EN VIVO por @NBCUniverso y Telemundo APP ➡️ https://t.co/v8GxDL2T2P#RumboAlMundial #MundialTelemundo #EliminatoriasSudamericanas pic.twitter.com/5ePBsePCHm
The date for my retirement has no specific schedule. Messi expressed his post-match desire to appreciate everything that has happened during the match. The team will keep competing as long as I feel healthy and show quality performance on the field.
Messi and the MLS Playoffs
Following his exceptional showing in the World Cup qualifiers Messi plans to return to America to play with Inter Miami during their playoff campaign. The Inter Miami team won the MLS Supporters’ Shield while Messi returned to the line-up in excellent shape for their upcoming performance in the championships. A victory against New England Revolution might become a historic record because Inter Miami plans to reach 74 points by the end of this season.
How many hat tricks has Lionel Messi scored for Argentina?
The Argentinian national team has recorded ten hat tricks from Messi with the newest appearance in their recent 6-0 victory over Bolivia in World Cup 2024 qualifying.
How many goals has Lionel Messi scored for Argentina?
The number of 112 goals which Messi scored for Argentina positions him among the top international scorers in soccer history.
Will Messi play in the 2026 World Cup?
There remains an opportunity for Messi to play in the 2026 World Cup because his contract extension with Inter Miami extends until 2025.
What is Messi’s role in Inter Miami’s MLS Cup Playoff run?
Inter Miami will initiate the MLS Cup Playoffs this month with Messi taking charge of the team. The team’s success heavily depends on his return to peak performance after physical injury.
How many assists did Messi provide in Argentina’s match against Bolivia?
Messi accumulated three goals while assisting two different plays during the match.
