The Inter Miami star recorded five-goal contributions to help his country thrash Bolivia 6-0 in front of a packed Estadio Monumental crowd
Lionel Messi magic was on full display at the Estadio Mas Monumental Tuesday night. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner put a show on for Argentina fans all around the world, scoring a hat-trick and recording two assists in a 6-0 thrashing over Bolivia in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying.
With five goal-contributions, Messi was the star of the night, showing why many around the world deem him to be the GOAT.
The Inter Miami talisman opened the scoring to make it 1-0, capitalizing off a defensive error from Bolivia 19 minutes into the clash. He then assisted their second, as Lautaro Martinez was left with a tap-in after Messi drove past both central defenders in the box. The third, a Julian Alvarez strike, came off a quick free kick from the MLS star, who found the Atletico Madrid forward to make it 3-0 in first-half stoppage time.
After a series of substitutions, La Albiceleste added a fourth in the 70th minute from ex-Atlanta United man Thiago Almada, who came off the bench with vigor. The final two strikes of the match, in the 84th and 86th minute, both came from Messi, who secured his hat-trick in stunning fashion.
Slicing home on his weaker right foot, the 37-year-old placed his second of the game in the bottom-right corner of the net. To complete the trifecta, he played a brilliant one-two pass with Nico Paz before smashing the ball home in a tight window to make it 6-0.
With the victory, La Albiceleste stay atop the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings, with 22 points from 10 matches played.
GOAL rates Argentina's players from Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires…
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Geronimo Rulli (7/10):
Was rarely tested, but led from the back when asked to.
Nahuel Molina (8/10):
Controlled his side of the pitch with class, played a lovely assist on Almada's goal.
Cristian Romero (7/10):
Drove the ball forward really well when playing out of the back. Defensively composed, as always.
Nicolas Otamendi (7/10):
Threatened in the attack on set pieces, was rock-solid defensively. Had a goal taken back by VAR, as well.
Nicolas Tagliafico (7/10):
Operated his flank defensively and contributed to forward progression. A veteran's display.
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Rodrigo De Paul (8/10):
Was a bully in the midfield when needed, provided intensity and aggression while maintaining possession.
Enzo Fernandez (8/10):
Thought he earned an assist early in the first half, but VAR called Otamendi's header back. Otherwise, ran the game in the center of the pitch in calm and composed fashion.
Alexis Mac Allister (7/10):
Argentina's first sub of the night, he struggled to integrate himself into the match, but didn't put a foot wrong, either.
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Julian Alvarez (8/10):
Played opposite of Messi on the wing and was a menace, despite it not being his ideal position. Scored Argentina's third with a lovely effort, finishing in composed fashion.
Lautaro Martinez (8/10):
Took his finish well, timing his run to perfection as Messi laid it on a platter.
Lionel Messi (10/10):
What else is there to say? He is a stupendous footballer, and Tuesday night's display was a demonstration of near-perfection. Five goal-contributions is remarkable.
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Thiago Almada (9/10):
Replaced Mac Allister midway through the second half and took his moment, scoring a brilliant low-driven effort that saw him time his run to perfection.
Leandro Paredes (7/10):
Brought intensity off the bench.
Exequiel Palacios (8/10):
Came onto the pitch and assisted Messi for their fifth goal. Played his role really well.
Nico Paz (8/10):
Subbed on with 17 minutes to spare and played the assist on their sixth, completing Messi's hat-trick. What a moment for the youngster.
Lisandro Martinez (N/A):
Brought on to shore up the defense as the match closed out.
Lionel Scaloni (10/10):
A full-strength XI that saw virtually every player execute their role to perfection. The reigning World Cup and Copa America champions were tactically brilliant, and Scaloni played all his cards brilliantly.