'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.

Bolivia goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra made a couple of fine saves to prevent the hosts from extending their lead but he was beaten in the 43rd minute when Lautaro Martinez scored from Messi's quick cross.

Argentina made it 3-0 just before the break, with Messi setting up Julian Alvarez to score.

Lionel Scaloni's side controlled the second half and looked like they had extended their lead through Nicolas Otamendi, only to see the goal disallowed for offside.

Substitute Thiago Almada did make it 4-0, however, scoring from Nahuel Molina's pass in the 70th minute with the venue transformed into an Argentine party.

Messi, 37, gave fans more reason to celebrate in the closing moments, beating two Bolivia defenders before unleashing a fierce shot past Viscarra to score his second.

Messi needed only two more minutes to complete the hat-trick, joining Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo with the most in men's internationals, the Argentine skipper scoring with a left-footed drive to take his tally to 112 goals for his country.

"It's really nice to come here, to feel the affection of the people, it moves me how they shout my name," Messi said.

"This drives me. Enjoying being happy where I am. Despite my age, when I'm here, I feel like a kid because I'm comfortable with this team. As long as I feel good and can keep performing the way I want, I'll keep enjoying it."

Raphinha converted a penalty in each half to guide an improved Brazil to a 4-0 home win over Peru in South American World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday.

Building on last week's 2-1 comeback win in Chile, Brazil looked livelier from the start and dominated possession, with late goals from Andreas Pereira and Luiz Henrique putting the gloss on an impressive performance.

"I think we needed this, it was really important winning both games to get back on track," Raphinha told Brazilian television Globo.

"They were two games that we managed to control. It's a long way from perfect, but I believe we're on the right track."

After hitting the crossbar in the 24th minute, Raphinha gave the home side the lead from the penalty spot in the 38th minute after Peru defender Carlos Zambrano was penalised for handball.

The Barcelona forward extended Brazil's lead from the spot in the 54th minute after Zambrano had fouled Savinho in the box.

Substitute Pereira scored Brazil's third with an acrobatic volley in the 72nd minute, brilliantly finishing a cross from Luiz Henrique, who wrapped up the win two minutes later with a low strike from the edge of the box.

Brazil, who had lost four of five qualifiers before their win in Chile on Thursday, are fourth in the standings on 16 points after 10 games, trailing third-placed Uruguay on goal difference.

Argentina are top with 22 points. Colombia, who thrashed last-placed Chile 4-0, are third.

Reuters