Lionel Messi’s Makes More History, Equals Ronaldo’s Outrageous Hat-Trick Record For Argentina

• Returns to Club duties with Inter Miami on Saturday against New England Revolution

Lionel Messi’s outrageous hat-trick for Argentina in their 6-0 humbling of Bolivia in the South American World Cup qualification has helped him create more history even after equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s record.

By that singular feat, the eight-time Ballon d’Or award winner, who captains both Major League Soccer club Inter Miami and the Argentina national team, has become the first player to net three hat-tricks in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying history

Absolutely at his best, the Inter Miami superstar powered the Argentine national football team, nicknamed La Albiceleste (‘The White and Sky Blue’), to a commanding victory over Bolivia in their 2026 World Cup qualifying encounter. He was unstoppable, scoring a hat-trick and delivering two assists in a game that helped him match Ronaldo’s record for the most international hat-tricks (10).

Besides matching Ronaldo’s record and making history as the first player ever to score three hat-tricks in the South American World Cup qualifiers, Messi also became the third player in the competition’s history to score two hat-tricks against the same national team, Bolivia, joining the ranks of Brazilian legends Tostao (vs Venezuela) and Zico (vs Bolivia).

Additionally, Messi’s remarkable display also made him the first player to be involved in five goals in a South American World Cup qualifier since Bolivia’s Joaquín Botero, who achieved a similar feat in 2009 when he scored three goals and assisted three more in a 6-1 victory against Argentina. With this win, La Albiceleste remains firmly on course for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as they stand atop the CONMEBOL standings, three points ahead of Colombia, who sit in second place, and six points clear of their fierce rivals, Brazil.

Among the numerous records for individual accolades won throughout his professional footballing career include eight Ballon d’Or awards; being listed eight times as the world’s best player by FIFA; being the most decorated player in the history of professional football having won 45 team trophies, including twelve league titles, four UEFA Champions Leagues, two Copa Américas, and one FIFA World Cup.

Going forward from his impressive performance on the international stage, Messi is set to return to club duties with Inter Miami and fans can expect to see him back in action this Saturday when Inter Miami takes on the New England Revolution in Major League Soccer (MLS).

Already, pundits and football enthusiasts alike believe his form with the Argentine national team will undoubtedly be a boost to The Herons as they push for a strong finish to the league. – With Goal.com report