BUENOS AIRES — Lionel Messi made a spectacular return for Argentina in a resounding 6-0 victory at home during a South American World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday, delivering a remarkable performance with a hat trick and two assists.
The football icon, who had missed the previous two rounds of the qualifying series in October due to an ankle injury, played the entire match at the Monumental de Nuñez Stadium, where exuberant fans celebrated his return and chanted his name when he opened the scoring in the 19th minute.
With this win, the reigning World Cup champions remain at the top of the standings with 22 points from 10 matches, sitting three points ahead of Colombia, who clinched a 4-0 victory over Chile earlier in the day. Uruguay holds the third spot with 16 points, following a goalless draw against Ecuador.
Showing form upon his return, Messi capitalized on a defensive blunder by a Bolivian player to score the first goal, allowing him to sprint uncontested and slot the ball past goalkeeper Billy Viscarra. In the 42nd minute, he assisted Lautaro Martínez in scoring, and later provided another key pass in added time that led to a goal by Julián Álvarez.
While Argentina appeared to ease their momentum after halftime, they added to their tally with a goal from Thiago Almada in the 69th minute, converting from close range following a low assist by Nahuel Molina.
Messi rounded off his standout match with two beautiful finishes from outside the box, netting goals in the 84th and 86th minutes.
“We enjoyed this, and we are happy to be playing here in Argentina,” Messi remarked after the match, maintaining ambiguity regarding his participation in the upcoming 2026 World Cup. “This could be one of the last matches in front of the Argentine crowd.”
Bolivia, aiming to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in three decades, remains in the race with a total of 12 points.
Following Chile’s loss to Colombia, coach Ricardo Gareca’s position has come under threat. Goals from Davinson Sánchez, Luis Díaz, Jhon Durán, and Luis Sinistierra secured the win for Colombia. Meanwhile, Chile sits last in the qualifying group with only five points.
Paraguay achieved a 2-1 victory over Venezuela, elevating themselves into a qualifying position. Jon Aramburo put the visitors ahead in the 25th minute, but another striker, Antonio Sarabia, came off the bench to net two goals for the hosts in the 59th and 74th minutes to complete the turnaround.
Two additional rounds of South American World Cup qualifying are scheduled for November.