Lionel Messi hit his 10th international hat-trick as Argentina hammered Bolivia 6-0.
The 37-year-old Inter Miami superstar is still dominating opponents as many of his former teammates head into coaching.
Nico Paz’s Argentina career got off to a great start
His third strike on Tuesday was assisted by 20-year-old debutant Nico Paz.
The Real Madrid academy graduate is coached by Messi’s close friend Cesc Fabregas, who linked with with the Argentine in Barcelona.
Paz has three assists in six games since joining the 37-year-old at Italian club Como this summer and Messi is tipping him to thrive under the former Spain international.
“Today, Nico made his debut, and he played really well and is important to us,” he said after the rout.
“He has an incredible mindset, and that’s why he’s where he is.
“Nico has a lot of quality and understands the game perfectly.
“He has an incredible mindset, and he’s with a coach who is my friend and will help him grow a lot.”
Messi matched Cristiano Ronaldo‘s record of 10 international hat-tricks against Bolivia.
He also set up two goals in a dominant performance.
The phenom scored the first after 19 minutes before assisting Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez.
Fabregas took over Como this season
Thiago Almada found the net to make it four in the 69th minute – the only goal Messi did not contribute to.
But the captain was back with a right-footed finish before a brilliant one-two with Paz unlocked the defense again for his hat-trick.
Messi has scored 112 goals in 189 games for Argentina but is some way behind Ronaldo’s 133 strikes for his country.
The maestro insists he still has plenty left in the tank as he looks to break more records.
“It’s really nice to come here, to feel the affection of the people. It moves me how they shout my name,” Messi said.
“This drives me – enjoying being happy where I am.
“Despite my age, when I’m here, I feel like a kid because I’m comfortable with this team.
“As long as I feel good and can keep performing the way I want, I’ll keep enjoying it.”
Messi will now return to Miami as he looks to inspire the team to the MLS Cup.
He has already won the 2023 Leagues Cup and 2024 Supporters’ Shield in his brief MLS spell.
