Buenos Aires Bounces with Messi’s Magic in World Cup Qualifier
On a lively Tuesday evening in Buenos Aires, the footballing world witnessed another chapter in the legendary career of Lionel Messi. After nursing an ankle injury and missing the previous two qualifiers, Messi made his triumphant return to the Argentina national team in a spectacular fashion, netting a hat trick and providing two assists in a game against Bolivia that ended with a dazzling score of 6-0.
The Stadium Was Electric!
As the players took to the field at the venerable Monumental de Nuñez Stadium, a whopping 85,000 fans were on hand, their cheers echoing through the night. The atmosphere was nothing short of electric, and it didn’t take long before Messi started to work his magic. In the 19th minute, he broke free and scored the first goal of the night, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
As the stadium erupted with chants of “¡MESSI, MESSI, MESSI, SIEMPRE MESSI!”, it was clear that this was more than just a match. This was another milestone in Messi’s incredible journey, marking his 110th goal for the national team!
More Goals, More Hype
But he wasn’t done yet. Just before halftime, Messi also assisted on a firecracker of a goal by Lautaro Martínez, who doubled the lead to 2-0. This was followed by another assist just before the half-time whistle, as Julián Alvarez added to Argentina’s tally — bringing the score to 3-0. It was a night where Messi wasn’t just a player; he was the heartbeat of the team.
Though Messi didn’t directly contribute to the fourth goal scored by Thiago Almada, he returned to the spotlight minutes later. In the 84th minute, with a sleek assist from Exequiel Palacios, Messi darted past Bolivian defenders and rifled in his second goal of the match. The crowd reacted with wild enthusiasm, celebrating Messi’s return as if it were a festival!
Hat Trick Hero
To make it a night to remember, Messi capped off his performance in the 86th minute with a left-footed goal from inside the box, officially marking his hat trick. The scoreboard flashed 6-0, and the entire stadium was in uproar as fans celebrated the iconic player who could be winding down his illustrious career.
We’ve Got a Legend on Our Hands
In a postgame interview, Messi reflected on the reality of the situation, admitting that these games may very well be the last times we see him donning the Argentine jersey. “This moves me,” Messi shared, expressing his feelings after such a big win. “Despite my age, when I’m here I look like a kid because I feel comfortable with this team.”
Asked about the upcoming 2026 World Cup and whether he would be playing, Messi wasn’t ready to commit. “I didn’t set a date or deadline,” he said. “I simply want to enjoy all this. I am more excited than ever to be here and feel the love of the people, because I know that they could be the last games.”
Looking Ahead
With Argentina looking to defend their title from the 2022 World Cup and the tournament set to take place across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, there’s buzz in the air about whether we’ll get to see more of Messi in action. For now, though, we can revel in the magic he created under the stunning skies of Buenos Aires, leaving us all on the edge of our seats for what’s next.
Fans celebrate, the stadium resonates with energy, and there’s an understanding that moments like this are fleeting. What a night for football, what a game for Messi, and what a joy for every Argentine who believes in the magic he brings to the field!
