'Despite my age, I feel like a kid' - Messi fires 10th Argentina hat-trick

Lionel Messi also had two assists in a hammering of Bolivia

DRIVING ON: Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring against Bolivia. Photo by LUIS ROBAYO/AFP via Getty Images

Lionel Messi scored his 10th international hat-trick and had a hand in two more goals as Argentina thrashed Bolivia 6-0 in South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in front of an adoring home crowd at the Monumental stadium on Tuesday.

Making only his second international appearance since recovering from an injury sustained at the Copa America in July, Messi capitalised on a mistake by defender Marcelo Suarez to open the scoring in the 19th minute.