Argentina vs Bolivia Highlights: A Masterclass by Messi in FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
The October 16, 2024, FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier between Argentina and Bolivia at the Estadio Mâs Monumental in Buenos Aires was nothing short of a football spectacle. With Lionel Messi at the heart of the action, Argentina triumphed with a dominant 6-0 victory over Bolivia, solidifying their position at the top of the table.
This match marked a return to form for Argentina after a couple of underwhelming results in previous qualifiers. Fans and pundits alike were eager to see how the Albiceleste would perform in front of their home crowd, and they did not disappoint. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the highlights from this exhilarating match, including a tactical analysis and a table of key moments.
First Half Dominance: Messi’s Magic and Argentina’s Cohesion
Argentina wasted no time asserting their control over the match. Right from the first whistle, it was clear that Lionel Scaloni’s men were determined to get an early goal. Argentina dominated possession, pressing high up the pitch and making life difficult for the Bolivian defense.
At the 19th minute, Lionel Messi opened the scoring, capitalizing on a defensive mistake by Bolivia’s Suarez. Lautaro Martinez’s pressure forced the turnover, and Messi calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to put Argentina ahead. This goal was a testament to Messi’s clinical finishing and the team’s relentless pressing strategy.
As the half progressed, Messi continued to pull the strings in midfield. His assist in the 43rd minute was a work of art. Receiving a through ball from Julian Alvarez, Messi timed his run perfectly, staying onside before unselfishly squaring the ball to Lautaro Martinez, who tapped it into the empty net. Just before the halftime whistle, Messi added another assist, delivering a beautiful dinked pass to Alvarez, who made no mistake in scoring Argentina’s third goal.
Key First-Half Moments:
| Minute | Event |
|---|---|
| 19’ | Goal: Messi scores, assisted by Lautaro Martinez |
| 43’ | Goal: Lautaro doubles the lead from Messi’s assist |
| 45+3’ | Goal: Alvarez scores Argentina’s third from Messi’s assist |
Second Half: Messi’s Hat-trick and Team Flourish
The second half began with Argentina leading comfortably at 3-0, but they were far from done. Messi continued to display his brilliance, demonstrating why he is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Bolivia, despite some early attempts to get back into the game, was overrun by Argentina’s fluid attacking play.
At the 70th minute, Thiago Almada joined the goal-scoring party, converting a well-timed cross from Molina to make it 4-0. Almada’s goal was a team effort, showcasing the seamless connection between Argentina’s midfield and forward line.
Then came Messi’s crowning moment. In the 84th minute, he made a characteristic solo run, evading defenders before shooting with his weaker right foot. Despite the Bolivian goalkeeper Viscarra getting a hand to the ball, it wasn’t enough to prevent Messi’s second goal. Just two minutes later, Messi completed his hat-trick, curling a stunning shot into the bottom-left corner after a neat assist from Nico Paz. The crowd erupted with chants of “Messi! Messi!” as the Argentine captain celebrated his third goal of the night.
Key Second-Half Moments:
| Minute | Event |
|---|---|
| 70’ | Goal: Almada scores from Molina’s cross |
| 84’ | Goal: Messi scores his second goal of the night |
| 86’ | Goal: Messi completes his hat-trick |
Tactical Analysis: Argentina’s High-Press and Fluid Attack
From a tactical standpoint, Argentina executed a flawless game plan. Their high-pressing strategy prevented Bolivia from settling into any kind of rhythm. Lionel Scaloni opted for an aggressive 4-3-3 formation with Messi playing a free role, allowing him to roam the pitch and dictate the tempo.
The full-backs, Molina and Tagliafico, provided width, while the midfield trio of De Paul, Fernandez, and Lo Celso controlled the center. Argentina’s fluidity was evident in their quick transitions and one-touch passing, which often left the Bolivian defense chasing shadows. Bolivia, on the other hand, struggled to cope with Argentina’s intensity, and their rare attacking opportunities were easily thwarted by the Argentine defense.
Argentina’s Formation:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Players: Messi (free role), Lautaro Martinez (center forward), Molina (right-back), De Paul (midfield enforcer)
- Tactical Focus: High-press, quick transitions, attacking width from full-backs
Bolivia’s Tactics:
- Formation: 5-4-1
- Key Players: Viscarra (goalkeeper), Algaranaz (midfield)
- Tactical Focus: Defend deep, counter-attack when possible
Messi’s Influence: The Ultimate Playmaker
Lionel Messi was undoubtedly the star of the night, and his influence went beyond just scoring goals. His two assists in the first half and his hat-trick in the second half showcased his ability to create and finish with equal prowess. Messi’s vision, timing, and composure under pressure were on full display, and his leadership on the pitch was evident as he continuously orchestrated the team’s attacking movements.
His hat-trick takes him to the top of the goal-scoring charts in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, further solidifying his legacy as one of the all-time greats in world football.
Match Stats and Table: Argentina’s Dominance
| Stats | Argentina | Bolivia |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 6 | 0 |
| Shots on Target | 10 | 2 |
| Possession | 68% | 32% |
| Corners | 8 | 3 |
| Fouls Committed | 11 | 14 |
Conclusion: Argentina’s Resounding Victory
Argentina’s 6-0 victory over Bolivia was a masterclass in football, and Messi’s performance was the highlight of the night. With this win, Argentina remains at the top of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying table with 22 points, all but securing their place in the tournament. For Bolivia, the loss was a tough pill to swallow, and they will need to regroup quickly as they look to stay in contention for a World Cup spot.
As Messi continues to dazzle on the international stage, Argentina looks set to be a formidable force in the upcoming World Cup, and fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see if the Albiceleste can repeat their 2022 triumph.
