Lionel Messi delivered a vintage hat-trick as Argentina cruised to a 6-0 victory over Bolivia in Tuesday's CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying match, reports the Daily Star.
With three clinical finishes and two assists, the 37-year-old veteran showed why he is one of the greats of the games as his side dominated the match.
The magic man from Rosario opened the scoring in the 19th minute..
The home crowd at Buenos Aires' Monumental Stadium were on their feet once more in the 43rd minute when Julián Álvarez delivered a superb pass to Messi, who selflessly set up Martínez for an easy finish.
Three minutes later, Alvarez scored another goal, making it 3-0 before the break.
After the break, Nicolas Otamendi had a header which eventually was ruled out for offside. However, Argentina fans didn't have to wait too long for the 4-0 lead as Thiago side-footed home after a superb pull-back from Nahuel Molina.
A classic Messi goal made it 5-0 in the 84th. Two minutes later and some fans were in tears after Messi cut in from the right, played a smart wall pass off substitute Nico Paz and again put the ball beyond the reach of the goalkeeper.
Argentina are on top of the 10-team table with 22 points. Colombia holds the second position as they also enjoyed a handsome victory over Chile as they scored 4 goals while denying them of scoring even one.
bd-pratidin/Rafid
