CNN —Lionel Messi rolled back the years with a vintage performance for Argentina on Tuesday, scoring three goals in his nation’s 6-0 thrashing of Bolivia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier. It was the 37-year-old’s 10th international hat-trick, a tally which draws him level with Cristiano Ronaldo’s record in men’s soccer. It was Messi who got the party started, capitalizing on a defensive error to put his country ahead after 19 minutes. The former Barcelona superstar then whipped the home crowd into a frenzy with two quick goals before the final whistle. Messi was making just his second appearance for his country since July after overcoming an ankle injury.

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Persons: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo’s, “, ” Messi, I’ll, Messi, unselfishly, Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, Luis Robayo, Thiago Almada, Messi wasn’t Organizations: CNN, Argentina, Estadio Monumental, Inter Miami, Messi, Bolivian, Venezuela, CONMEBOL Locations: Bolivia, soccer, Buenos Aires, Argentina, AFP, Barcelona, Colombia, Paraguay