Lionel Messi has equaled one of the records of Cristiano Ronaldo after scoring a hat-trick against Bolivia in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification encounter.
Argentina Vs Bolivia
Messi was breathtaking for La Albiceleste on October 16, 2024, helping them to a 6-0 annihilating Victory over Bolivia.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring for Lionel Scaloni’s side in the 19th minute before Lautaro Martinez doubled their lead 2 minutes before the end of normal time in the first half.
Julian Alvarez penned his name on the scoresheet 3 minutes into added time in the first period, while Thiago Almada made it 4 for the world and continental champions.
Lionel Messi secured his hat-trick late into the affair, scoring an additional two quick-fire goals before the expiration of the affair.
Interestingly, Messi also provided 2 assists in the encounter, as Argentina continued their boisterous showing in the qualifiers.
Which Of Cristiano Ronaldo Records Did Lionel Messi Break
Lionel Messi’s hat-trick in the clash was the 37-year-old’s 10th international hat-trick, equalling the record of Ronaldo.
Argentina In Pole Position To Secure Ticket To The 2026 FIFA World Cup
Argentina currently occupy the summit of standings for the qualifiers in the CONMEBOL region, with La Albiceleste picking up 22 points from 10 matches.
Lionel Scaloni’s side are 3 points better than 2nd-placed Colombia and are on course to bag a ticket for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The first 6 nations in a 10-country league will qualify automatically for the Mundial, while the 7th country will battle for a spot via the playoffs.
Cristiano Ronaldo Fires Blank Against Scotland In The Nations League
Hours before Lionel Messi secured his 10th international hat-trick, Cristiano Ronaldo also featured in a UEFA Nations League game against Scotland.
Ronaldo couldn’t find the back of the net for Portugal, as they settled for a 0-0 draw against Scotland.
Cristiano Ronaldo appeared frustrated after the intense clash and was seen throwing tantrums at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland.
Lionel Messi Guides Inter Miami To Supporters’ Shield Triumph
Lionel Messi recently claimed his second trophy at Inter Miami, helping them secure the Supporters’ Shield following a 3-2 win over Columbus Crew.
Messi netted a brace to help Tata Martino’s side claim the title, with the Argentine penning his name on the scoresheet in the 45th and 45+5 minute.
Luis Suarez, who retired from international football in September 2024 scored the defining goal for the Herons in the 48th minute, as Inter Miami claimed their first-ever Supporters’ Shield.
Lionel Messi’s first trophy at Inter Miami was the Leagues Cup, having guided the American side to a victory via penalties following a 1-1 draw in normal time.
Messi’s Supporters’ Shield triumph with Inter Miami has seen him claim his 46th career trophy, the highest ever in the history of football.
Lionel Messi Continues To Exude Excellence In Football
Lionel Messi, who is regarded as one of the great footballers of all time played an instrumental role in the Herons securing the Supporters’ Shield title, scoring 17 goals and providing 12 assists in 19 matches.
Messi has claimed several major honors in his career, including; 1 FIFA World Cup, 2 Copa America, 4 UEFA Champions League, and 10 La Liga titles.
Individually, Messi has won a mouth-watering 8 Ballon d’Or awards alongside 4 FIFA TheBest Men’s Player of the Year prize alongside 2 FIFA World Cups Golden Ball.
The Argentine football star has made 887 club appearances thus far in his career, scoring 732 goals and providing 355 assists in all competitions.
Internationally, Lionel Messi has scored 112 goals and provided 60 assists in 189 appearances for Argentina.
Messi has continued to delineate brilliance even at the twilight of his career and it will be fascinating to see how much time he has got to offer to football.
