Sports

Messi's hat-trick helps Argentina crush Bolivia; Colombia, Brazil cruise

October 16, 2024

New Delhi, Oct 16

Lionel Messi's sensational show spurred Argentina to return to winning ways in FIFA World Cup 26 qualifying. The 37-year-old registered his 10th international hat-trick and two assists as they crushed Bolivia 6-0.

Messi produced a performance for the ages for La Albiceleste, who had taken only one point from their previous two outings. His canny, near-post finish caught goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra off guard, while his two solo goals erupted El Monumental.

Argentina now have 22 points from 10 run-outs and are close to participating at a 14th World Cup in a row.

Argentina stayed three points clear of second-placed Colombia, who thrashed rock-bottom Chile 4-0. Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez were excellent for Los Cafeteros, while 20-year-old sensation Jhon Duran rose from the bench to hike his hype.

Colombia strode towards a global-finals return by dominating and downing La Roja. James Rodriguez and Luiz Diaz shimmered for Nestor Lorenzo's team, while 20-year-old sensation Duran made a big impression after coming on at half-time.

Davinson Sanchez got the ball rolling in Barranquilla, unwittingly deflecting home a Jhon Lucimi header. Diaz made it two after Rodriguez capitalised upon some dreadful defending to tee him up, before Duran’s emphatic finish and a late fourth from Luis Sinisterra completed a one-sided victory.

The result moved Colombia level on points with section leaders Argentina – at least temporarily – and left Chile bottom, with only five points from 10 games, and winless in seven qualifiers.

 

 

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