In a critical matchup of the 2026 World Cup Qualifying – CONMEBOL, the Argentina National Football Team hosted Bolivia at the Monumental de Nuñez Stadium. Argentina, the reigning Copa América champions, entered the game with a solid record of 7-1-2, sitting on 22 points. Bolivia, though fighting to qualify for their first World Cup in 30 years, had a mixed campaign with a 4-0-6 record and 12 points. This game not only marked Lionel Messi’s return to international action but also held significant implications for both teams’ paths toward the World Cup.
Argentina National Football Team vs Bolivia National Football Team Head to Head
The Argentina National Football Team had historically dominated their encounters with Bolivia. Coming into this match, Argentina had won their last five meetings against Bolivia, including a 3-0 win in September 2023 during the World Cup Qualifying campaign. Bolivia’s last victory over Argentina dated back to March 2017, a 2-0 win in La Paz.
- Last Five Matches:
- Bolivia 0-3 Argentina (2023, World Cup Qualifying)
- Argentina 3-0 Bolivia (2021, World Cup Qualifying)
- Bolivia 1-4 Argentina (2021, Copa América)
- Bolivia 1-2 Argentina (2020, World Cup Qualifying)
- Bolivia 2-0 Argentina (2017, World Cup Qualifying)
Argentina National Football Team vs Bolivia National Football Team Lineups
- Argentina National Football Team (4-3-3):
Coach: Lionel Scaloni- GK: Gerónimo Rulli
- DF: Nicolás Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Tagliafico, Nahuel Molina
- MF: Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul
- FW: Lionel Messi (C), Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez
Substitutes:
Lisandro Martínez, Leandro Paredes, Exequiel Palacios, Nico Paz, Thiago Almada, Facundo Buonanotte, Walter Benítez
- Bolivia National Football Team (5-4-1):
Coach: Gustavo Costas- GK: Guillermo Viscarra
- DF: José Sagredo, Marcelo Suárez, Luis Haquin, Roberto Fernández, Diego Medina
- MF: Ramiro Vaca, Gabriel Villamil, Robson Matheus, Miguel Terceros
- FW: Carmelo Algarañaz
Substitutes:
Adalid Terrazas, Enzo Monteiro, Lucas Chávez, Bruno Miranda, Luis Paz, Víctor Cuellar
Argentina National Football Team vs Bolivia National Football Team First Half
The game started with Argentina in control, keeping most of the possession and looking for opportunities to break down Bolivia’s defensive lines. In the 19th minute, Lionel Messi took advantage of a defensive mistake by Marcelo Suárez and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner, giving Argentina an early 1-0 lead.
Bolivia’s goalkeeper, Guillermo Viscarra, pulled off a few impressive saves to keep Bolivia in the game, but Argentina doubled their lead in the 43rd minute when Messi’s quick pass found Lautaro Martínez, who converted from close range.
Right before halftime, Messi’s brilliance was on display again as he assisted Julián Álvarez for Argentina’s third goal, sending the teams into the break with a commanding 3-0 lead.
Argentina National Football Team vs Bolivia National Football Team Second Half
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Argentina continuing their dominance. In the 69th minute, substitute Thiago Almada added a fourth goal, assisted by Nahuel Molina. Lionel Messi then capped off an extraordinary performance with two more goals in the 84th and 86th minutes, completing his hat-trick and securing Argentina’s 6-0 victory.
Argentina National Football Team vs Bolivia National Football Team Stats
| Argentina National Football Team vs Bolivia National Football Team Stats | Argentina | Bolivia |
| Possession | 72.3% | 27.7% |
| Shots on Goal | 10 | 1 |
| Total Shot Attempts | 14 | 4 |
| Fouls | 10 | 13 |
| Yellow Cards | 0 | 1 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Corner Kicks | 4 | 0 |
| Saves | 1 | 4 |
Argentina National Football Team vs Bolivia National Football Team Timeline
- 19′ – Goal! Lionel Messi opens the scoring after a defensive error by Marcelo Suárez, making it Argentina 1-0.
- 43′ – Goal! Lautaro Martínez converts Messi’s quick pass to make it 2-0 for Argentina.
- 45+3′ – Goal! Messi assists Julián Álvarez for a third goal before halftime. Argentina leads 3-0 at the break.
- 69′ – Goal! Thiago Almada, just off the bench, scores Argentina’s fourth after being set up by Nahuel Molina.
- 84′ – Goal! Messi makes it 5-0 with a right-footed shot into the bottom left corner.
- 86′ – Goal! Messi completes his hat-trick with another clinical finish, assisted by Nico Paz.
Argentina National Football Team vs Bolivia National Football Team Final Score:
Argentina National Football Team 6-0 Bolivia National Football Team
Argentina National Football Team vs Bolivia National Football Team Impact on Points Table
With this resounding win, the Argentina National Football Team solidified their position at the top of the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying standings, increasing their points tally to 25, three ahead of second-place Colombia. Bolivia, despite the loss, remained in contention for qualification, holding 12 points, but will need strong performances in the upcoming matches to secure a spot in the World Cup.
Argentina National Football Team vs Bolivia National Football Team Player Achievements:
- Lionel Messi: Scored a hat-trick and provided two assists. This performance marked Messi’s 10th hat-trick for Argentina, tying him with Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for international hat-tricks.
- Thiago Almada: Came off the bench to score his first goal in a World Cup qualifying match.
- Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez: Both forwards contributed with goals to Argentina’s tally.
Argentina National Football Team vs Bolivia National Football Team Man of the Match:
Undoubtedly, Lionel Messi was the Man of the Match, delivering a performance that showcased his unmatched footballing genius.
Argentina’s dominant 6-0 win over Bolivia in the 2026 World Cup Qualifying – CONMEBOL match was a statement performance. With Lionel Messi back in the lineup, Argentina displayed their superiority in attack and defense, bolstering their position at the top of the qualifying table. Bolivia, while still in the hunt for qualification, will need to regroup and push harder in the remaining fixtures.
FAQs:
- How many goals did Messi score in the 2026 World Cup Qualifying – CONMEBOL Argentina National Football Team vs Bolivia National Football Team?
Messi scored three goals, completing a hat-trick. - What was the final score in the 2026 World Cup Qualifying – CONMEBOL Argentina National Football Team vs Bolivia National Football Team?
Argentina National Football Team 6-0 Bolivia National Football Team. - Who was the Man of the Match in the 2026 World Cup Qualifying – CONMEBOL Argentina National Football Team vs Bolivia National Football Team?
Lionel Messi was the standout player, with three goals and two assists. - Did this match impact the standings after the 2026 World Cup Qualifying – CONMEBOL Argentina National Football Team vs Bolivia National Football Team?
Yes, Argentina extended their lead at the top of the CONMEBOL qualifying table with 25 points. - How did Bolivia perform in the 2026 World Cup Qualifying – CONMEBOL Argentina National Football Team vs Bolivia National Football Team?
Bolivia struggled to create chances and defend against Argentina’s relentless attack, ultimately losing 6-0.
