October 16, 2024: Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine forward, reached another milestone in his illustrious career by equaling Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for the most international hat-tricks.
Messi accomplished this feat during Argentina’s dominant 6-0 victory over Bolivia in a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier. The World Cup-winning captain scored three times in the match, with goals in the 19th, 84th, and 86th minutes, marking his 10th hat-trick for the national team.
In this game, Messi was supported by goals from Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, and Thiago Almada, ensuring Argentina’s firm position at the top of the South American World Cup qualifying table. With seven wins, a draw, and two losses, the team has collected 22 points, strengthening their campaign to defend their World Cup title.
After the game, Messi expressed his excitement about the connection with fans and his joy in continuing to represent Argentina. He reflected on his career, stating that while he hasn’t set a retirement date, he’s fully focused on enjoying each moment on the field, particularly as these could be his last games at the international level. Messi’s remarks emphasized his deep affection for his national team and his desire to keep performing as long as he feels capable.
With both Messi and Ronaldo now tied at 10 international hat-tricks, the football world continues to celebrate the historic rivalry between two of the game’s greatest players.
