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E-mail Xinhua, October 16, 2024
Lionel Messi scored three goals and set up two others as Argentina romped to a 6-0 home win over Bolivia in their World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.
Messi opened the scoring in the 19th minute when his low finish beat Guillermo Viscarra at the near post after Lautaro Martinez intercepted an errant Marcelo Suarez pass.
Messi returned the favor when he unselfishly passed to Martinez, who slotted home from close range on the counterattack.
Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi was again the provider when he chipped a delightful free-kick into the path of Julian Alvarez on the stroke of halftime. The Atletico Madrid striker showed deft control before drilling his shot past Viscarra.
Argentina were relentless and Thiago Almada, a 65th-minute substitute for Alvarez, made it 4-0 with a first-time effort from 15 yards after Nahuel Molina's cross.
Messi doubled his personal tally by combining with Exequiel Palacios before placing a shot into the far corner with his weaker right foot.
The Inter Miami forward grabbed his hat-trick two minutes later with an 18-yard drive after a slick one-two with debutant Nico Paz.
The result at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires leaves the reigning world champions three points clear at the top of the 10-team South American zone standings. Bolivia are seventh, 10 points further back.
