Lionel Messi scored his tenth international hat-trick as Argentina defeated Bolivia 6-0 in World Cup qualifying.

The 37-year-old Inter Miami forward, who also scored two goals at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, tied with Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo for the most hat-tricks in men’s international football.

Argentina are three points ahead of Colombia at the top of the South American qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup, despite losing to Colombia in September and drawing against Venezuela last week.

“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: enjoying being happy where I am. Despite my age, when I am here I feel like a child because I feel comfortable with this team. As long as I feel good and can continue to perform the way I want. , I continue to enjoy it.”

Messi, making only his second appearance for Argentina since suffering an injury during the Copa America in July, took advantage of a defensive error to put them ahead after 19 minutes.

He set up Lautaro Martinez and then Julian Alvarez before substitute Thiago Almada made it 4-0.

Messi struck twice in two minutes late, beating two defenders and firing in his second, completing his hat-trick by finding the bottom corner.

Messi scored 112 goals in 189 games for Argentina – second only to Ronaldo, who scored 133 goals, in men’s internationals.