Argentina return to winning ways with dominant Messi performance.
Lionel Scaloni's men were left frustrated by last week's draw against Venezuela but their quality showed in Tuesday's 6-0 victory over Bolivia.
More precisely, Lionel Messi's quality showed. The Argentina captain scored three goals and assisted two more of Argentina's six, taking his international tally to an astonishing 112 goals.
Playing in a slightly withdrawn role behind Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez, Messi had the time and the space to exert his influence on the game and he did just that.
Full time: Argentina 6-0 Bolivia.
The world champions bounce back from a draw in Venezuela to swat aside Bolivia at Estadio Monumental.
A hat-trick and two assists for Lionel Messi on his first appearance in Argentina for nearly a year.
Lionel Messi is continuing to demand the ball in the final moment, dropping deep to link the play and even launching late attacks. He's missed a lot of soccer this year due to injury but Messi looks fresh and firing now.
We're going to have two minutes of added time at the end of the second half.
The crowd inside the Estadio Monumental are on their feet, jubilant as they savour a brilliant hat-trick from Lionel Messi this evening.
It's a party atmosphere in Buenos Aires to end the international break.
GOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAL! Lionel Messi
Another one for Messi!
Another loose ball falls at the feet of the Argentina captain on the edge of the box. This time he moves the ball onto his left foot but the result is the same, rifling a low shot past Viscarra and into the bottom corner.
Lionel Messi has a hat trick and two assists.
GOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAL! Lionel Messi
A fifth for Argentina, a second for Lionel Messi.
The Argentina No. 10 finds space 30 yards from goal and charges forward. Messi skips past a challenge, shifts the ball onto his right foot, and fires into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
Magical stuff from Messi.
Mazy run from Lionel Messi to picked the ball up on the edge of the Bolivia box and glide between defenders. He tries to curl one past Viscarra but can't quite wrap his foot around the ball.
On tonight's evidence, Messi is back to full match fitness.
With a commanding, four-goal cushion Argentina have done well to keep pushing as we enter the final ten minutes. There's been no let-up from the world champions.
It'll be interesting to see if Lionel Messi remains on the field for the full 90 minutes.
Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino has publicly insisted that more minutes will help Messi as the MLS playoffs approach, but he's had a busy schedule in recent weeks.
Carmelo Algaranaz
The Bolivian midfielder is booked for a late challenge on the halfway line.
More changes for Argentina, Lautaro Martinez and Nicolas Otamendi are replaced.
Nico Paz and Lisandro Martinez enter the fray.
Nearly a fifth for Argentina as another slick attacking move finds Thiago Almada in space on the right flank. He curls in a teasing low cross but Martinez can't quite connect in the middle.
GOOOOOOAAAAAAALL! Thiago Almada
Brilliant team move from Argentina.
A raking diagonal from Paredes finds the run on Molina, racing forward on the right flank. The full-back plays a first-time pass back across the face of goal and Almada is on hand to sweep the ball home.
Argentina 4-0 Bolivia.
Argentina look to have shifted formation slightly with those substitutions. After playing centrally for the first hour, Messi is now stationed on the right with Almada on the left.
Lautaro Martinez remains the central striker.
Double change for the visitors now.
Fernandez and Terceros are replaced for Bolivia. Paz and Chavez come on.
Triple change for Argentina.
Rodrigo de Paul, Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez are replaced. Palacios, Almada and Paredes come on in their place.
After a brief flurry from Bolivia, Argentina are back in control now.
They are moving the ball a bit more sharply now and the Argentinian midfield looks dominant. Fernandez, Mac Allister and De Paul look so physically imposing in the middle.
Rodrigo de Paul takes the corner kick and finds the head of Julian Alvarez. The Atleti forward leans back to connect and tries to get his effort on target but it flies over the crossbar.
The ball is quickly back at Messi's feet on the right of the box and he tries to curl one into the top corner. His effort takes a deflection and spins out for a corner kick.
Lionel Messi tries to work a no-look pass through to Alvarez in the Bolivia box. The pass is deflected but falls to Lautaro, who forces a sharp save from Viscarra.
Slick move from Bolivia to work the ball down the left flank, finding Ramiro Vaca in space on the edge of the box. He takes aim from 20 yards but his right-footed effort is blocked and Argentina get the ball clear.
Best work of the night from Bolivia.
VAR – No goal.
Finally a decision. The Argentina goal is ruled out after Nicolas Tagliafico is adjudged to have been in an offside position when Otamendi headed the ball home.
It remains Argentina 3-0 Bolivia.
The VAR check is ongoing at the Monumental. The call is certainly marginal, there were so many players in close proximity on the six-yard box.
It's Tagliafico who may have interfered with play.
Nicolas Otamendi rose highest at the back post to nod an Argentina cross past Viscarra from close range. But it looked like an Argentinian player in the middle may have obstructed the Bolivian goalkeeper's view, causing the linesman to raise his flag.
Argentina – Goal ruled out for offside.
Nicolas Otamendi thinks he has a fourth for Argentina but the assistant's flag is up.
It'll be checked by VAR…
A quiet start to the second half, neither team showing any great ambition going forward.
Enzo Fernandez is clipped on the right flank. Free kick to Argentina.
And we're back!
Bolivia get the second half underway. It's a long way back for the visitors now.
And now Argentina are out.
The hosts emerge to shouts of 'Messi, Messi, Messi' after a stunning first half performance from the 36-year-old.
Bolivia take to the field for the second half.
There's an audible cheer as the visitors emerge onto the Monumental for the second half.
Lionel Messi shines in dominate first half showing.
One goal and two assists for the Argentina captain, taking his tally of international goals to 110. Argentina have this game wrapped up now; will Lionel Scaloni make changes at the break or stick with the current team?
The perfect first half for Argentina?
Lionel Scaloni's side suffered no inconsiderable adversity against Venezuela last week but things have gone swimmingly on their return to Argentina. A 3-0 halftime lead is no more than they deserve, dominating the first half and creating a number of good openings.
Half time: Argentina 3-0 Bolivia
A heroic return to home soil for Argentina who roar to a three-goal lead at Estadio Monumental. The Argentinian front three have impressed throughout and Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez are all on the scoresheet in the first half.
GOOOOOAAAAAAAAL! Julian Alvarez
And now Alvarez joins the party!
The Atletico Madrid forward latches onto a clever quick free kick from Lionel Messi and pokes the ball past Viscarra from close range.
That's one goal and two assists for Messi tonight.
The home crowd is bouncing now, delighting in an impressive first half performance from Argentina.
It's a party atmosphere at the Estadio Monumental.
We're going to have two minutes of added time at the end of the first half.
That second goal is no more than Argentina have deserved in the first half.
The world champions have been completely dominant and could be further ahead if not for Viscarra in the Bolivia goal.
GOOOOOAAAAAAL! Lautaro Martinez
More good work from the Argentina frontline. Julian Alvarez wins the ball and plays a clipped ball forward to Lionel Messi running through on goal.
The Argentina captain feints to shoot but instead rolls the ball to Lisandro Martinez, who slots the ball into an empty net.
Ruthless from Argentina!
Good hassling again from Argentina to force a mistake from Marcelo Suarez. Alvarez and Martinez look like a real handful for the Bolivian defence.
The tempo of the game has dropped slightly in the past few minutes, both teams perhaps feeling fairly content with how the scoreline stands heading into the halftime break.
Thankfully, Viscarra will be ok to continue here.
Lionel Messi takes a corner kick from the right but plays it short. Argentina try to work their way into the box but Bolivia get a foot in and clear.
In making that save Viscarra clattered into his left-hand post, making a real whack when he connected.
The Bolivia medical staff are on the field now to assess the stopper.
Messi steps up to take the kick and curls a left-footed effort towards the top corner, forcing a dramatic late dive from Viscarra to keep the ball out.
Top save from the Bolivia keeper.
Right on cue, Gabriel Villamil flies into a challenge on Lionel Messi and is lucky to escape without a yellow card.
Another free kick without shooting range for Messi.
Argentina and keeping Bolivia pinned back inside their own half now. In fact, Bolivia have barely crossed the halfway line since that Messi goal.
The Bolivian tackles are getting increasingly desperate.
Bolivia do well to clear a dangerous, whipped corner kick from Messi.
Argentina soon win the ball back and come again.
It is Lionel Messi who takes but his effort clips the top of the Bolivian wall and spins out for a corner kick.
The Argentina captain trots across to take that, too.
Free kick to Argentina. It's about 25 yards from goal, right of centre.
Lionel Messi range…
Lionel Messi swings in a teasing free kick from out wide on the right. It evades everyone in the middle and skips up off the surface but Viscarra does well to cling onto the ball.
This altered Argentina shape is working well. Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez are relentless off the ball, pressuring the Bolivia backline and winning the ball high.
That's leaving Messi the time, and space, to take advantage when Argentina win the ball back. That's exactly where the opening goal came from.
Cheers of 'Ole, Ole' from the home crowd as Argentina confidently knock the ball around in the Bolivia half. After the frustration of Venezuela, La Albiceleste are up and running now.
Bit of concern as Lionel Messi is clipped by Algaranaz on the halfway line and stays down.
It was a bit of a wild challenge but there was no real force behind it. Messi will be fine to continue.
How many goals has Lionel Messi scored for Argentina?
In his 188th international appearance, Lionel Messi scored his 110th goal in the blue and white of Argentina.
GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAL! Lionel Messi
Good pressing from Argentina to pinch the ball and get their No. 10 in space in the box. Lionel Messi squares up Viscarra and slots the ball coolly into the back of the net.
1-0 Argentina. Lionel Messi has the goal.
Argentina free kick just inside the Bolivia half. Lionel Messi take it and clips it onto the head of Otamendi, who diverts it into the arms of Viscarra in the Bolivia goal.
Bolivia get the corner kick clear and try to launch a counter-attack. There's space for Diego Medina to break but the pass is poor and Argentina regain possession.
Brilliant pass from Lionel Messi, slicing through the Bolivian defence to find Tagliafico on the left. He tries to find a teammate in the middle but it's deflected behind for a corner kick.
First sign of ambition from the visitors. Marcelo Suarez finds space on the left flank and curls in a cross onto the head of Robson Mattheus, who cranes his neck to direct it on target.
It's a good effort, but comfortably saved by Rulli.
Clumsy tackle from Molina, shoving Fernadez in the back on the halfway line.
It's been all Argentina so far. Lionel Scaloni's side look much more comfortable than they did in the waterlogged trip to Venezuela last week.
Decent opening for Argentina as Lionel Messi tries to find Julian Alvarez rushing through on goal. The pass is a little overhit and it rolls out for a Bolivia goal kick.
Cheeky nutmeg from Lionel Messi midway into the Bolivia half. He's fouled as he skips past the helpless defender, winning his team a free kick.
Huge cheers from the home crowd.
Out of possession, Messi is pushing higher up and allowing Martinez to do the running for him.
Nahuel Molina seemed to clash with goalkeeper Viscarra in that play and he's in some discomfort.
Medical staff give the full-back a quick once-over. He'll be fine to continue.
Clever ball over the Bolivia backline sets Molina racing in on goal. He does well to bring the ball down but can't find a teammate in the middle.
Good pass from De Paul to open the Bolivian defence.
Late challenge from Roberto Fernandez on Rodrigo de Paul in the middle. Referee waves play on.
Neat early touch from Lionel Messi, spinning away from a challenge in the midfield and sliding a pass through to Lautaro.
The Argentina captain appears to be starting centrally, as a No. 10.
Argentina gets things started.
The hosts take kickoff to a huge roar at Estadio Monumental.
We're nearly ready for the off.
Lionel Messi and Bolivia captain Luis Haquin shake hands and exchange pendants on the halfway line.
Argentina's World Cup heroes honoured at Estadio Monumental.
Mario Kempes. Diego Maradona. Lionel Messi.
Three names that will forever be etched into the history of Argentinian soccer, each succeeding in clinching the World Cup. Messi, now 36, is going in hunt of his second.
Team news: Argentina – Bolivia.
If you missed it earlier, here's who the two teams line up this evening.
Geronimo Rulli starts in goal for Argentina due to the suspension for Emiliano Martinez. Lionel Messi joins Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez in the Argentinian frontline.
The teams are out!
The stands are packed and the players of Argentina and Bolivia take to the field in Buenos Aires.
Looks like we're going to have a rendition of 'Muchachos' from the home crowd before the anthems…
Kickoff fast approaching at Estadio Monumental.
We're only around ten minutes from the off in Buenos Aires as Argentina look to reopen a three-point gap on Venezuela at the top of CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying.
Long-awaited return to Argentina for Lionel Messi.
The last time that Lionel Messi led Argentina out in front of a home crowd was November 17, 2023. That game finished as a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Uruguay.
Argentina will be hoping for a more successful return this evening.
River Plate hosts Argentina's Copa America heroes.
Just three months on from the Copa America triumph in the United States, Argentina are already on the hunt for a fourth consecutive international trophy. Lionel Scaloni's team are certain to qualify for the 2026 World Cup but the style in which to do so could tell us a lot about their prospects at the finals.
SOCCER
Argentina team news: Why isn’t Emiliano Martínez playing against Bolivia?
Sharp-eyed readers will have noticed that Geronimo Rulli is starting in goal for Argentina today, rather than the more familiar presence of Emiliano Martinez between the posts.
Here's why Martinez is absent, and when he could return for the national team…
Why isn't Emiliano Martinez playing for Argentina?
Crowds gather in Buenos Aires.
We're expecting a capacity crowd tonight at Estadio Monumental – home of River Plate – for this World Cup qualifier. Argentina continue to sell out wherever they go and there are no shortage of soccer fans in Buenos Aires.
Bolivia arrive at Estadio Monumental.
The visitor look focused as they prepare to take on the world champions this evening. The history books certainly suggest that this is Argentina's game to lose.
La Albiceleste have won the last four times these two have met, and eight of their past nine fixtures. Bolivia have never won in Argentina.
Argentina struggled to a 1-1 draw on a flooded pitch last week. / Ronald Peña R. / EFE
Lionel Messi complained about Venezuelan conditions.
Argentina Lionel Messi was not happy that his team were forced to play in sodden conditions against Venezuela last week.
"It was very difficult, it makes for very ugly matches," Messi told Argentinian media after the game. "We could not complete two passes in a row. In the second half we did it on the right a little more, but it is difficult to play like that. Very little is played."
Messi and his teammates will have no such problems today with perfect conditions in Buenos Aires from this evening's game.
ARGENTINA
Messi’s tumultuous return: dramatic clash and slap moment with Venezuelan player
Last week's trip to Venezuela was one to forget for Argentina fans and the players will be in no rush to relive a trying game. As this video shows, Argentina captain Lionel Messi was among those feeling the strain..
Lionel Messi frustrated by Venezuela draw
Confirmed Bolivia team news.
Here's how the visitors line up tonight. La Verde go into the game as clear underdogs but they will be buoyed by recent good results.
Not only did Bolivia beat Venezuela and Colombia at home, they also secured a very rare away victory over Chile. That was just Bolivia's second away win in World Cup qualifying this century.
Elsewhere in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying.
The first game from South America this evening was another stunning performance from Colombia, who can stake a real claim to be one of the form teams in international soccer. Goals from Luis Diaz and John Duran helped Colombia go level with Argentina at the top of the CONMEBOL group, albeit have played one game more.
Another new signature boot for Lionel Messi.
Over the international break Argentina captain Lionel Messi has been sporting the adidas F50 Messi Triunfo Estelar, his latest collaboration with the German sportswear brand. He drew a blank in the first game against Venezuela, will he find the back of the night tonight?
Argentina have won three consecutive tournaments under Lionel Scaloni. / JUAN MABROMATA / AFP
Argentina can perform without Messi, Scaloni insists.
Speaking earlier this week Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni was asked about the team's principles when Lionel Messi is not available. Scaloni admitted that Messi remains a key part of the team, but pushed back on the implication that Argentina may struggle without his generational talents.
“For the game, it's important that Messi is there because almost all of the team's attack goes through him," Scaloni said.
"In a goal-scoring play he's almost always there, but the idea of the game is always the same, whether he's there or not. We prefer him to be there, logically, but our football concept doesn't change, we already have a way of playing.”
World champions in the house.
The hosts will be heavy favourites in front of an expectant home crowd inside the Estadio Monumental. After a disappointing 1-1 draw with Venezuela in their last outing, Argentina will want a return to winning ways.
Argentina team news from the Monumental.
Argentinian soccer insider Gaston Edul is on the ground in Buenos Aires, reporting the team news for La Albiceleste this evening.
It looks like Lionel Messi will start, playing just behind Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez in a multi-faceted attacking trio.
2026 WORLD CUP
When is Argentina vs Bolivia? Times, how to watch on TV, stream online | CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier
We'll have full live coverage of Argentina – Bolivia right here on AS USA but you can also choose to watch the action unfold. Here's everything you need to know…
How to watch Argentina – Bolivia
CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying fixtures.
Here's the full slate of fixtures from CONMEBOL's World Cup qualification this evening. Already today Colombia have taken a commanding lead against Chile, continuing their impressive start to proceedings.
Argentina need a win to restore their lead at the top of the qualification group.
ARGENTINA
Will Lionel Messi play for Argentina today against Bolivia?
We're still awaiting confirmed team news from the Estadio Monumental but it looks like Argentina will go with a full-strength starting XI, with Lionel Messi as part of an exciting attacking trident.
Here's how we think Lionel Scaloni will line up…
Argentina team news
Argentina return to home soil.
Last week's trip to Venezuela did not go as planned for the world champions.
The game was delayed by 30 minutes to allow a little extra time for the flooded pitch to drain. Conditions improved slightly but what followed was a scrappy game that ended 1-1, a key point for the hosts.
Tonight, Lionel Scaloni's men will be eager to get back to winning ways.
Argentina host Bolivia in World Cup qualifier.
Despite winning three consecutive international tournaments, this talented group of Argentinian players are showing no signs of letting up. The 2026 World Cup will surely be Lionel Messi's final bow with the national team and he and his teammates are desperate to add more silverware.
Tonight they welcome Bolivia to the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
About the author
William Gittins
A journalist, soccer fanatic and Shrewsbury Town fan, Will’s love for the game has withstood countless playoff final losses. After graduating from the University of Liverpool he wrote for a number of British publications before joining AS USA in 2020. His work focuses on the Premier League, LaLiga, MLS, Liga MX and the global game.
