Bolivia might have been rolling in World Cup qualifying, however that would not matter heading into Argentina to face Lionel Messi and La Albiceleste. Messi made his first begin in Argentina in 333 days and did not disappoint, scoring a purpose 19 minutes into the match to place Argentina forward. By halftime that lead would balloon to 3-0 as Messi added two extra assists to his exploits. In true Messi vogue, he did not cease there with two objectives in two minutes to complete a hat trick in a 6-0 victory over Bolivia.

After laboring to a draw towards Venezuela of their final match, this was simply what the physician ordered for Argentina. Every thing is made simpler with the presence of Messi, who took benefit of defensive miscues from Bolivia to attain his opening purpose earlier than then turning right into a supplier. 

Assisted by Lautaro Martinez on the opening purpose, Messi returned the favor to his strike associate by establishing Martinez, splitting Bolivia’s strains earlier than the devastating end into an open internet. Messi then arrange Julian Alvarez for the third purpose from a free kick to supply Argentina with a formidable halftime benefit.

After the half, Messi would hold the enjoyable going scoring within the 84th and 86th minutes. That 86th-minute purpose was an particularly spectacular one resulting from it being assisted by 20-year-old Nico Paz. The Como man got here off the bench to make his Argentina debut and it was a memorable one with an help to Messi to extend Argentina’s lead.

Whereas Messi and Argentina’s present squad are necessary, it is also vital to control the long run, which will probably be led by gamers like Paz.  That is what the most effective groups in CONMEBOL — and the most effective in your entire world — can do when taking part in in entrance of their house devoted. With the victory, Argentina have additionally snapped their two match winless streak after dropping a match to Colombia earlier than drawing towards Venezuela.