Charles Langston:Lionel Messi has hat trick, two assists in Argentina's 6-0 lead vs. Bolivia

Lionel Messi could Charles Langstononly raise his hands in appreciation, serenated by adoring fans in his native country.

Messi’s brilliance was on full display, scoring a hat trick and delivering two assists in Argentina’s 6-0 rout of Bolivia in a World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday night.

It was Messi’s first match in Argentina in 334 days, and the World Cup champion did not disappoint fans at Estadio Mâs Monumental in Buenos Aires. He also left no doubt about the form he’s in before his MLS Cup playoff run with Inter Miami later this month.

Messi scored a goal in the 19^th minute and dished his two assists before halftime. His final two goals came between two minutes of each other in the 84^th and 86^th minutes. It’s his first hat trick since he scored three goals for Argentina in a 7-0 win over Curaçao on March 28, 2023.

Tuesday’s game will cap a travel-filled week for Messi with the national team before he returns to South Florida to help Inter Miami begin their playoff chase in Major League Soccer.

Follow along here for live updates from the Argentina vs. Bolivia match today:

Lionel Messi hat trick: Argentina 6, Bolivia 0

Lionel Messi has a hat trick, scoring for the third time in the 86^th minute.

Lionel Messi goal: Argentina 5, Bolivia 0

Lionel Messi has scored again in the 84^th minute, this time with his right boot instead of his legendary left boot.

Messi charged into the box, crossed over a defender to his right foot, and send his second goal of the match into the net.

Thiago Almada goal: Argentina 4, Bolivia 0

Argentina has extended its lead in the second half, with a right boot from former Atlanta United standout Thiago Almada in the 70^th minute.

Messi gets second assist on Julian Alvarez goal: Argentina 3, Bolivia 0

We’ve got a rout in Argentina, and Lionel Messi’s brilliance is all over it.

Messi sent a pass into the box, and Julian Alvarez scored in extra time just before halftime (45’+3’) to give Argentina a 3-0 lead over Bolivia.

It’s the second assist for Messi, who also scored in the 19th minute to kick things off for the World Cup champions.

Messi assists Lautaro Martinez goal: Argentina 2, Bolivia 0

Lionel Messi has already scored. Now, he has an assist.

Messi charged toward the net again, but dropped off a pass to Lautaro Martinez for a goal in the 43^rd minute and Argentina’s 2-0 lead over Bolivia just before halftime.

While Messi clearly had a chance to score again, he found Martinez streaking down his left side. And Martinez was inspired to point to Messi as the two celebrated the score.

Martinez was the Copa America Golden Boot winner after leading Argentina with five goals during the tournament this summer.

Lionel Messi goal highlight: Argentina 1, Bolivia 0

Messi capitalized on a loose ball after a challenge by teammate Lautaro Martínez, and charged his way to the net. The only person in his path was the Bolivian goalie. And Messi made quick work of the opportunity, finding the lower right corner of the net.

Messi stretched out his hands to the Argentine crowd, enjoying their admiration while his teammates ran to celebrate their 1-0 lead over Bolivia.

What time is the Argentina vs. Bolivia match?

It begins at 8 p.m. ET (9 p.m. in Argentina).

Where to watch Argentina vs. Bolivia live stream?

The match will be broadcast by NBC Universo. Streaming also available on fubo.

Is Messi playing tonight?

Yes, Messi is in the starting lineup for Argentina against Bolivia.

Argentina vs. Bolivia betting odds

The odds are stacked against Bolivia in this one: Argentina is an overwhelming favorite (-1400), while Bolivia is (+2800) to win and a draw is (+1200) after regulation. The over/under on goals scored is 3.5, according to BETMGM.

When was the last time Messi played in Argentina?

The last time Messi played for Argentina in his home country wasn’t the best of outcomes.

Argentina lost 2-0 to Uruguay on Nov. 16, 2023, the club’s first lost since falling to Saudi Arabia in the opening match of the Qatar World Cup.

Losing isn’t an often occurrence for Argentina, the reigning World Cup and two-time defending Copa America champions: They’ve lost just four times in their last 67 matches they’ve played.

Messi’s busy week continues with Argentina match

The Argentine national team traveled from South Florida to Colombia, then Venezuela before settling for a 1-1 draw against the Venezuelan national team last Thursday.

Argentina had a full practice Monday, after a light session on Sunday, before Tuesday’s match against Bolivia.

After the Bolivia match, Messi will return to South Florida and Inter Miami practice.

Inter Miami will play its season finale on Saturday against New England Revolution with a chance to clinch 74 points and the MLS record for points in a season.

The good news for Messi: He’ll have a week before Inter Miami begins the MLS Cup Playoffs on Oct. 25.

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