Argentina 6-0 Bolivia: Messi’s Hat-trick Secures a Dominant Victory – Player Ratings and Match Analysis
The clash between Argentina and Bolivia in Buenos Aires was nothing short of a masterclass from the Albiceleste, with Lionel Messi once again stealing the spotlight. Argentina’s emphatic 6-0 victory in the FIFA World Cup qualifier showcased their superiority, as they dismantled Bolivia’s defense with relentless attacking football. Messi led the charge with a sublime hat-trick, while Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, and Thiago Almada added to the scoreline. Let’s dive deep into the match analysis, player ratings, and key moments from this thrilling encounter.
Argentina’s Dominance from the First Whistle
From the moment the referee blew the whistle, it was clear that Argentina had no intention of taking it easy. With the passionate home crowd behind them at Estadio Monumental, Argentina’s attack clicked almost immediately. The pressure on Bolivia’s defense was constant, and it only took 19 minutes for Lionel Messi to break the deadlock.
Bolivia struggled to maintain possession as Argentina dominated with slick passing and movement, particularly in the final third. Lautaro Martinez played a pivotal role in the opener, capitalizing on a defensive error before assisting Messi, who slotted home with precision. Martinez would soon get on the scoresheet himself, doubling the lead after a delightful pass from Messi.
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Key Moments in the Match
- 19th Minute: Messi’s First Goal Lautaro Martinez seized on a defensive lapse from Bolivia and set up Lionel Messi, who calmly finished to put Argentina ahead 1-0.
- 29th Minute: Martinez Doubles the Lead Messi turned provider, feeding Martinez for a simple finish, making it 2-0. Bolivia’s defense was in shambles, unable to cope with Argentina’s relentless pressure.
- 45th Minute: Alvarez Makes It Three Julian Alvarez, positioned perfectly, received a lofted ball from a set piece and extended Argentina’s lead to 3-0 just before the break.
- 65th Minute: Almada Adds to the Tally Thiago Almada came off the bench and wasted no time finding the back of the net, scoring Argentina’s fourth goal just five minutes after entering the pitch.
- Messi’s Hat-trick in Quick Succession Messi turned up the heat with two more goals in quick succession, completing his hat-trick and sealing a perfect performance from the team captain.
Argentina National Football Team Player Ratings vs Bolivia
Goalkeeper
Geronimo Rulli – 6.5/10
A quiet day for Rulli as Bolivia rarely threatened. He did his job efficiently when called upon, ensuring Argentina kept a clean sheet.
Argentina’s Defenders
Nahuel Molina – 7/10
Molina was highly involved on the right flank, contributing both defensively and offensively. His assist for Messi’s hat-trick was a highlight.
Cristian Romero – 6.8/10
Romero put in a solid defensive shift, making crucial tackles and interceptions to keep Bolivia’s rare forays into the final third at bay.
Nicolas Otamendi – 7/10
Otamendi displayed his aerial dominance and leadership at the back. He nearly got on the scoresheet, but his goal was ruled offside.
Nicolas Tagliafico – 7.3/10
Tagliafico was impressive, bombing forward and whipping in dangerous crosses. His contribution to the attack was vital in stretching Bolivia’s defense.
Argentina’s Midfielders
Rodrigo De Paul – 7/10
De Paul was influential in orchestrating Argentina’s midfield, with precise passing and clever movement. His ability to transition play kept Bolivia on their heels.
Enzo Fernandez – 7.2/10
Enzo controlled the tempo, delivering key passes and holding the midfield together. His assist for Otamendi’s disallowed goal showcased his vision.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6.5/10
Mac Allister had a steady game, linking up well with his teammates but lacked a standout moment. His passing was neat and efficient.
Argentina’s Forwards
Lionel Messi – 10/10
Messi was simply unstoppable. A hat-trick, two assists, and constant creative brilliance make this a perfect performance from Argentina’s talisman.
Lautaro Martinez – 8/10
Martinez was a constant threat to Bolivia’s defense. His goal and assist demonstrated his importance in Argentina’s attacking lineup.
Julian Alvarez – 7.2/10
Alvarez’s sharp movement led to his goal just before halftime. He worked tirelessly, stretching the opposition defense and nearly bagged a second.
Argentina’s Substitutes
Exequiel Palacios – 6/10
Palacios didn’t have much impact after coming on late in the game, mostly maintaining possession and seeing out the win.
Thiago Almada – 7.2/10
Almada’s goal off the bench added further gloss to Argentina’s dominant performance. His energy and eye for goal make him a valuable asset.
Nico Paz – 7.3/10
Paz provided a fantastic assist for Messi’s hat-trick goal, showcasing his creativity in the final third.
Lisandro Martinez – 6.5/10
Came in late to provide fresh legs in defense, ensuring Bolivia didn’t get a sniff at goal.
Leandro Paredes – N/A
Had too little time on the pitch to make a significant impact.
Argentina’s Manager
Lionel Scaloni – 7.5/10
Scaloni’s tactics were spot on. His decision to rest some key players while maintaining an aggressive attacking strategy paid off. He’ll be pleased with this comprehensive win.
Bolivia National Football Team Player Ratings vs Argentina
Bolivia’s Goalkeeper
Guillermo Viscarra – 5.5/10
Viscarra had a night to forget. Conceding six goals, he was left exposed by his defense but should have done better on a couple of occasions.
Bolivia’s Defenders
Roberto Fernandez – 6.2/10
Fernandez tried to provide some width in attack but struggled defensively. He was overwhelmed by Argentina’s forwards.
Jose Sagredo – 5.6/10
Sagredo looked out of his depth and was often caught out of position. He struggled to contain Messi and Martinez.
Marcelo Suarez – 5.7/10
Suarez had a nightmare game, making multiple errors that contributed to Bolivia’s defensive collapse.
Luis Haquin – 5/10
Haquin’s poor positioning and decision-making were costly. His inability to deal with Argentina’s pace and movement led to several goals.
Diego Medina – 5.8/10
Medina was constantly beaten by Alvarez and Martinez on the wings. He was unable to cope with Argentina’s relentless pressure.
Bolivia’s Midfielders
Ramiro Vaca – 5.7/10
Vaca couldn’t provide the creativity needed in midfield, failing to break down Argentina’s defense or create chances.
Gabriel Villamil – 6.2/10
Villamil was one of Bolivia’s better players, making a few decent passes and showing some composure under pressure.
Robson Matheus – 6.5/10
Matheus tried to disrupt Argentina’s rhythm but was largely ineffective. His defensive contributions were overshadowed by the team’s poor overall performance.
Miguelito – 5.8/10
Miguelito was often dispossessed in midfield and couldn’t make any meaningful impact on the game.
Bolivia’s Forwards
Carmelo Algaranaz – 6/10
Algaranaz was forced to drop deep to help out defensively but couldn’t make an impact in attack. He was substituted early in the second half.
Bolivia’s Substitutes
Luis Paz – 5.8/10
Didn’t have much of an impact after coming on. Bolivia’s fate was already sealed by the time he entered the pitch.
Lucas Chavez – 6.1/10
Chavez tried to inject some pace into Bolivia’s attack but was unable to influence the game in any meaningful way.
Enzo Monteiro – N/A
Played too few minutes to receive a rating.
Adalid Rerrazas – N/A
Like Monteiro, Rerrazas had too little time on the field to make an impression.
Bolivia’s Manager
O. Villegas – 5.7/10
Villegas will be disappointed with his team’s performance, especially defensively. Bolivia never looked like they had a plan to deal with Argentina’s attacks.
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FAQs about Argentina vs Bolivia and Messi’s Hat-trick
- Who won the Argentina vs Bolivia match?
- Argentina won 6-0 against Bolivia in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.
- Did Lionel Messi score a hat-trick in this match?
- Yes, Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s dominant victory.
- How many goals did Messi score against Bolivia?
- Messi scored three goals in the match.
- Where was the Argentina vs Bolivia match played?
- The match took place at Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires.
- What was the final score of Argentina vs Bolivia?
- The final score was 6-0 in favor of Argentina.
- Who scored for Argentina besides Messi?
- Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, and Thiago Almada also scored for Argentina.
- How did Bolivia perform in the match?
- Bolivia struggled throughout the game, unable to cope with Argentina’s attacking pressure.
- Did any Argentine player assist Messi’s goals?
- Yes, Nico Paz provided an assist for Messi’s third goal.
- What was Lionel Scaloni’s strategy for the match?
- Scaloni adopted an aggressive, high-pressing strategy, focusing on quick transitions and relentless attacks.
- What are Argentina’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup?
- With performances like this, Argentina’s chances of qualifying look very strong.
