Lionel Messi put on a dominant performance in Argentina's 6-0 victory over Bolivia, scoring his 10th international hat trick and recording two assists. The win solidifies Argentina's lead in South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, with Messi surpassing 100 career goals for his country. Brazil also had a strong showing, winning 4-0 against Peru to alleviate pressure on coach Dorival Júnior. With only two rounds left in qualifying, the race for automatic World Cup berths is heating up.
Messi and Argentina Shine in World Cup Qualifying Victories
Superstar Lionel Messi put on a dominant performance as Argentina cruised to a 6-0 victory over Bolivia in South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Messi scored his 10th international hat-trick and added two assists, surpassing 100 career goals for his country.
The win solidifies Argentina's lead in the standings, with only two rounds remaining in qualifying. Brazil also had a strong showing, defeating Peru 4-0 to ease pressure on coach Dorival Júnior.
With the World Cup berths up for grabs, the race for automatic qualification is heating up.
Background
South American qualifying for the World Cup consists of 10 teams playing in a single round-robin format. The top four teams automatically qualify for the World Cup, while the fifth-place team advances to an intercontinental playoff.
Argentina has a rich history in World Cup qualifying, having appeared in every tournament since 1930. Brazil has also been a consistent powerhouse, winning the World Cup a record five times.
Top 5 FAQs
Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for Paris Saint-Germain and captains the Argentina national team. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Messi has won a record seven Ballon d'Or awards.
As of March 2023, Messi has scored 101 goals in 168 appearances for Argentina. He is the country's all-time leading scorer.
Argentina has a record of 70 wins, 30 draws, and 18 losses in World Cup qualifying. They have qualified for every World Cup since 1930.
Brazil, Uruguay, Ecuador, and Colombia are the other teams in contention for the four automatic World Cup berths from South America.
The draw for the 2026 World Cup will take place on December 1, 2025.
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