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    Soccer News: Argentina – Bolivia 3-0: the hero of the hat-trick Messi makes history while La Albiceleste remains undefeated on the road to

    Lionel Messi became the all-time top scorer in CONMEBOL history after his hat-trick led Argentina to overtake Bolivia 3-0 in World Cup qualifiers.

    Messi broke Pele’s record as the top scorer in a South American nation thanks to his 78th and 79th international goals on Thursday.

    The 34-year-old Argentine superstar got close to Brazilian great Pele (77) after opening the scoring in the 14th minute before making his way to the top of the history books with his goal in the 64th minute in Buenos Aires, where he completed his hat-trick during the final stages.

    Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina, second in the table, remain undefeated on the road to Qatar 2022 with five wins from eight games, while extending their unbeaten streak to 22 games in all competitions.

    The Argentine champions of the Copa America are back in action after their blockbuster showdown with rivals Brazil was abandoned in chaotic scenes in Sao Paulo on Sunday.

    The league table’s top match was halted following an apparent violation of coronavirus regulations, Argentina named three Premier League players in their starting lineup: Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Tottenham duo Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso.

    Martinez, Romero and Lo Celso were not involved against Bolivia as Argentina sought to continue dominating, with the South American champions never losing to La Verde in 15 home games in all competitions (W13, P2) .

    Argentina had the lead from the start and opened the scoring with their talisman Messi after 15 minutes: the superstar grazed his opponent before putting his shot into the net.

    Lautaro Martinez thought he had scored 12 minutes later, however, the Argentine striker was flagged for offside.

    Martinez then wasted a glorious chance in the 39th minute, kicking a shot just wide of the post after being prepared by Messi after his run into the penalty area.

    Argentina had more opportunities to increase their lead before half-time, but Messi saw his curled shot go agonizingly away from the wood, while Bolivian goalkeeper Carlos Lampe was lucky not to concede the third minute of added time after exiting. from its line.

    Bolivia spent more time in Argentina’s half of the pitch in the second period, but never gave the home side a hard time as they doubled their lead just beyond the one-hour span.

    Messi capped off a superb team move, finding the bottom of the net from close range in the 65th minute as he celebrated the story in front of fans, and ended the evening with a three-goal shot after jumping on a rebound with two regulation minutes. remaining.

    What does it mean? Scaloni’s men remain hot

    There is no way to stop Argentina. In the midst of a 22-game unbeaten run, the South American champions – who finished their 28-year wait for silverware in July – haven’t lost since 2019.

    Messi puts on masterclasses

    With history in his sights, Messi stole the show with his latest treble. It was his seventh for Argentina, but his first at home.

    The drought in Bolivia continues

    Bolivia have lost 16 winless games at Argentina in all competitions. They are winless in their last eight international matches.

    What’s next?

    The next international window will see Argentina visit Paraguay on October 6, while Bolivia meets Ecuador on the same day.

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