"We continue ahead with the same enthusiasm!" - Lionel Messi reacts after scoring hat-trick for Argentina against Bolivia 

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has urged his teammates to surge forward with enthusiasm as they take a step closer to securing a berth at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 37-year-old Messi led his team from the front as they thumped a hapless Bolivia side 6-0 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday (October 15).

Messi broke the deadlock in the 17th minute before Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez scored on the cusp of half-time to effectively end the game as a contest. There was no relenting from Lionel Scaloni's side as Messi added a late brace to complete his 58th career hat-trick for club and country after Thiago Almada had found the back of the net midway through the second period.

The win keeps La Albiceleste three points clear of second-placed Colombia (19) in the CONMEBOL standings after 10 games. Messi posted on Instagram after the game (as translated from Spanish):

"I really wanted to play in Argentina again, and I am more excited than ever by the affection and connection with the people. We continue ahead with the same enthusiasm!"

The game was Messi's second for the Albiceleste in two months since injuring his ankle in their 1-0 extra-time win over Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final in Miami in July.

That marked the Argentine's record 45th title with club and country, breaking a tie with his former Barcelona teammate Dani Alves. He has since won the 2024 Supporters' Shield with Inter Miami for topping the MLS regular season points table.

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How has Lionel Messi fared for Argentina in 2024?

Argentina striker Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi has had an injury-plagued year, with the aforementioned ankle injury keeping him out of action for nearly two months. The 37-year-old hasn't had one of his usual prolific scoring years with Argentina in international football.

In nine games, Messi has still registered six goals and four assists, but three of those strikes and two assists came against Bolivia on Tuesday in the Argentine capital.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner contributed a goal and an assist in five games - both against Canada (different games) - as Lionel Scaloni's side became the first 16-time Copa champions.

Messi's three other goal contributions for the Albiceleste in 2024 - two goals and an assist - came in the same game - a 4-1 friendly win on the road over Guatemala in June.