Lionel Messi scores hat-trick in Argentina 2026 qualifier; tally of international goals updated

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick against Bolivia in Argentina’s second 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture during the October international break, the article reports. It states that the strike in that match took him to 10 international hat-tricks.

The piece notes Messi’s long record of success at international level, including winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup and two Copa América titles, and describes his achievements alongside his club career. It describes him as one of the game’s leading figures and records the full list of his international goals, dates and competitions.

According to the article, Messi has scored 126 international goals in 208 caps for Argentina. The report places him behind Cristiano Ronaldo on the all-time international goals list, with Ronaldo reported to have 146 goals and Messi listed second with 126.

The story also states that, overall, Messi has scored 11 international hat-tricks for Argentina, one more than Cristiano Ronaldo (10). That tally is presented alongside the note that his Bolivia hat-trick occurred in the second of Argentina’s two October fixtures.

The article records the start of Messi’s international scoring run, noting his first senior international goal came against Croatia in a friendly on March 1, 2006, a match Argentina lost 3-2. Those early entries are included in the full chronicle of his goals.

Khel Now’s feature offers a complete breakdown of Messi’s international goals by date and competition, presented in the context of Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches in October.