CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers: Argentina Whitewash Bolivia 6-0

Messi scores hat-trick in five-goal thriller
As Brazil humiliate Peru 4-0

Argentina’s Captain fantastic, Lionel Messi recorded five-goal contributions as the World Champions thrashed Bolivia 6-0 in their CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying encounter.

Messi’s magic was on full display as the Argentines delivered a stunning performance inside the Estadio Mas Monumental on Tuesday night.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner put a show on for Argentina fans all around the world, recording two assists and scoring a hat-trick in front of their home fans

With the five goal-contributions, the Inter Miami talisman was the star of the evening, showing why many around the world deem him to be the GOAT.

He opened the scoring to make it 1-0 about 19 minutes into the clash, capitalizing off a defensive error from Bolivia. Messi then assisted their second, a Lautaro Martinez tap-in after driving past both central defenders in the box.

The third, a Julian Alvarez strike, came off a quick free kick from the MLS star, who found the Atletico Madrid forward to make it 3-0 in first-half stoppage time.

After a series of substitutions, La Albiceleste added a fourth in the 70th minute from ex-Atlanta United man Thiago Almada, who came off the bench with vigor.

The final two strikes of the match, in the 84th and 86th minute, both came from Messi, who secured his hat-trick in stunning fashion.

Slicing home on his weaker right foot, the 37-year-old placed his second of the game in the bottom-right corner of the net.

And to complete the trifecta, he played a brilliant one-two pass with Nico Paz before smashing the ball home in a tight window to make it 6-0.

With the victory, La Albiceleste stay atop the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings, with 22 points from 10 matches played.

Raphinha Shines For Brazil
The often-criticised Barcelona winger, Raphinha bagged a brace as Brazil cruised to World Cup qualifying victory against their South American opposition, Peru

In a comfortable 4-0 victory for the Selecao inside Arena BRB Mané Garrincha, Manager, Dorival Jr, who has faced questions about his attacking setup, seems to have found an answer to his problem on Tuesday night.

Raphinha, in the midst of a flying start for his club, also came to the party for his country, scoring twice and proving a constant menace against the Peruvians. He bagged a brace, before two late goals killed the game and carried Brazil to their second win in a row.

For long periods, this was a testy contest with Peru doing their best to stop Brazil attacks before they started. With plenty of tackles from both sides, Raphinha opened the scoring shortly before half time, converting from the spot after a lengthy VAR check determined that a Peru defender had handled the ball in the box.

Rodrygo could have made it two after 43 minutes, but his chip was easily cradled by the goalkeeper.

The in-form Barcelona man added a second from the spot early in the second half, this time from a far less controversial penalty shout.

Andreas Pereira gave the Selecao daylight, though, with a fine flying volley, guiding Luiz Henrique’s cross into the bottom corner.

Henrique grabbed one of his own soon after, strolling into the space afforded him by an open Peru backline – before stroking the ball into the bottom corner.