CNN
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Lionel Messi turned back the years on Tuesday with an excellent performance for Argentina, scoring three goals in his country’s 6-0 defeat by Bolivia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.

It was the 37-year-old’s tenth international hat-trick, a tally that puts him level with Cristiano Ronaldo’s record in men’s football.

“It’s really nice to come here, to feel the affection of the people. It moves me how they shout my name,” Messi said after an unforgettable performance at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

“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 will continue to enjoy it.”

In addition to scoring three goals, the Inter Miami forward also provided two assists as the reigning world champions cruised to victory.

It was Messi who got the party started, taking advantage of a defensive error to put his country ahead after 19 minutes.

He then had a hand in the second goal when he selflessly set up Lautaro Martínez, who tapped the ball into an empty net in the 43rd minute.

Before halftime, Argentina still had time to extend their lead and it was Messi who provided another magical moment. The forward produced an inch-perfect pass from a quick free-kick and found Julián Álvarez, who was able to control the ball and bounce it over the onrushing goalkeeper.

It was more of the same in the second half and Thiago Almada made it 4-0 in the 69th minute, capping off a flowing move from the hosts.

The former Barcelona superstar then sent the home crowd into a frenzy with two quick goals before the final whistle.

The first was the trademark Messi, with the eight-time Balon d’Or winner running straight at the Bolivian defense before beating one man and directing a low shot under the goalkeeper. It was a goal reminiscent of his time at the club Blaugrana where for a number of years he was simply unstoppable.

But Messi wasn’t done yet. Moments later, the striker collected the ball on the edge of the penalty area before curling a left-footed shot into the bottom corner of the net to make it 6-0.

The Argentina captain had a huge grin on his face as fans in the stadium chanted his name.

Messi made only his second appearance for his country since July after overcoming an ankle injury.

The Albiceleste drew against Venezuela last week and lost to Colombia in September, but still top the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table with 22 points. The team will play against Paraguay in the next qualifying match on November 14.