2024-10-16 11:36:00
Argentina superstar Lionel Messi made a big appearance in the World Cup qualifiers. In the impressive 6-0 (3-0) win against Bolivia at the Estadio Monumental in the capital Buenos Aires, Messi scored three goals and set up two. According to the association, it was the superstar’s tenth hat-trick for the national team. Brazil also impressed the reigning world champions with a 4-0 (1-0) win over Peru.
Messi scored the first goal in the 19th minute for the “Albiceleste”, who found their way back to success after two games without a win against Colombia and Venezuela. Shortly before half-time, Lautaro Martínez increased the score to 3-0 after a nice counter-attack from his half and Julián Álvarez. Even after the break, the team around the national coach Lionel Scaloni did not let up, Thiago Almada (69th) scored the fourth goal. Shortly before the end, it was Messi again who scored twice within two minutes and completed half a dozen for Argentina.
“When I’m here, despite my age, I feel like a child because I feel comfortable in this team,” said Messi. He turned 37 on June 24. “I have not set a date or a deadline for myself,” said the old master, who works for Inter Miami in the US league, about his future plans with the national team. “I’m more excited than ever to be here and feel the love of the people because I know these could be the last games.” Messi has now scored 112 goals for Argentina.
Brazil also won confidently against Peru. First, Raphinha scored twice for the “Seleção” – he converted two penalty kicks. Andreas Pereira made it 3-0 with a side kick in the 71st minute, before Luiz Henrique made it 4-0 three minutes later.
With the victory in the tenth round, Brazil remains in fourth place with 16 points to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Argentina remains at the top of the table with 22 points, ahead of Colombia (19). The first six of the ten teams qualify directly for the finals, the seventh must go into relegation. In mid-November, Brazil will face Venezuela and Argentina will play against Paraguay.
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