World Cup qualifiers: Brazil and Argentina celebrate scoring frenzies

Argentina's superstar Lionel Messi bagged a hat-trick and provided two assists in a dominant 6-0 win over Bolivia in World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday, while Brazil dominated Peru 4-0.

Messi opened the scoring for the Albiceleste in the 19th minute at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Shortly before half-time, Lautaro Martínez increased the lead after a fine counter-attack from Argentina's own half, and Julián Álvarez made it 3-0 at half-time.

The goal avalanche continued after the break, with Thiago Almada scoring the fourth in the 69th minute. Shortly before the end, it was Messi again, who scored twice within two minutes.

The win puts the side back on track after two games without a win.

In Brasilia, Raphinha opened the scoring for the Seleção with two converted penalty kicks. Andreas Pereira scored the third in the 71st minute with a bicycle kick, before Luiz Henrique made it 4-0 three minutes later.

The win on matchday 10 means that Brazil remains in fourth place in the qualifying competition for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico with 16 points. The Albiceleste tops the South American group with 22 points.

The top six of 10 teams qualify directly for the marquee tournament, while the seventh-placed team has to go through the inter-confederation play-offs. Brazil will next face Venezuela in mid-November, while Argentina will play Paraguay.