Argentina's Dominance: Messi Shines in 6-0 Victory Against Bolivia
In a dazzling display of football, Argentina dismantled Bolivia 6-0 in the latest round of CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying, with Lionel Messi leading the charge. The Estadio Mas Monumental was electrified as Messi showcased why he’s considered one of the greatest players of all time, contributing to five goals—three of which were his own.
Messi's Magic
From the very first whistle, it was clear that Lionel Messi was in sublime form. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner opened the scoring in the 19th minute, pouncing on a defensive blunder from Bolivia. It was the perfect start for La Albiceleste, setting the tone for what would be a one-sided affair.
But Messi wasn't just a goal-scorer; he was also the architect behind Argentina's attacking play. His second contribution came just moments later when he expertly weaved through the Bolivian defense to set up Lautaro Martinez for a simple tap-in, making it 2-0. The first half ended with Messi orchestrating a quick free kick that found Julian Alvarez, who fired home to increase the lead to 3-0 in stoppage time.
A Team Effort
While Messi was undoubtedly the star of the night, it was a complete team performance. After the break, Argentina continued to dominate possession and create chances. Thiago Almada, who came off the bench, added a fourth goal in the 70th minute, further burying Bolivia’s hopes of a comeback.
As the match drew to a close, Messi returned to the spotlight, scoring two more goals in quick succession. His second goal showcased his finesse, as he calmly slotted the ball into the bottom-right corner with his weaker right foot. The hat-trick was completed shortly after, following a clever one-two with Nico Paz, culminating in a powerful shot that left the Bolivian keeper with no chance.
Standing Tall
With this emphatic victory, Argentina remains at the top of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings, accumulating 22 points from 10 matches. The win not only bolsters their campaign but also serves as a reminder of the team’s attacking prowess and depth, led by their talisman, Messi.
Player Ratings
Lionel Messi: 10/10 – A masterclass performance with a hat-trick and two assists.
Lautaro Martinez: 8/10 – Solid presence upfront, scoring one goal and linking well with Messi.
Julian Alvarez: 8/10 – Took his goal well and contributed to the overall attacking flow.
Thiago Almada: 7/10 – Impactful off the bench, adding energy and a goal.
Defense: 7/10 – Solid throughout, limiting Bolivia’s chances.
Conclusion
This match was not just about the scoreline; it was a statement from Argentina that they are a force to be reckoned with as they march towards the World Cup. With Messi in such sensational form, fans around the globe will be eagerly anticipating what La Albiceleste can achieve in the upcoming matches. As they continue their qualifying journey, one thing is certain: when Messi plays like this, anything is possible.
Reference from :-https://www.goal.com/en-in/lists/argentina-player-ratings-vs-bolivia-lionel-messi-hat-trick-la-albiceleste-world-cup-qualifying/bltb4e9b5e9103ea4ac#cs375f84839a08cf9a