Messi hat-trick keeps Argentina on track for Qatar

BUENOS AIRES - Lionel Messi scored a brilliant hat-trick as Argentina cruised to a 3-0 home win over Bolivia in their 2022 World Cup qualifier here on Thursday.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward gave the hosts the lead in the 14th minute at the Monumental stadium by nutmegging Luis Haquin and curling a sublime 25-yard effort into the top left corner.

Messi doubled his tally just after the hour, twice exchanging passes with Lautaro Martinez before cutting past Jairo Quinteros and drilling an unstoppable shot past goalkeeper Carlos Lampe.

The third goal came two minutes from time when the ball bounced fortuitously into the 34-year-old's path after Lampe parried away Joaquin Correa's long-range attempt. The Albiceleste No 10 was on hand to duly send a first-time effort into an unguarded net.

Argentina, who are unbeaten in these qualifiers, remain second in the 10-team South American group with 18 points from eight matches while Bolivia have six points from nine outings.

At the end of the qualifying campaign, the top four teams will earn a direct berth at next year's World Cup in Qatar. The fifth-ranked side will advance to an intercontinental playoff.

In other South American qualifiers on Thursday, Colombia beat Chile 3-1 in Barranquilla, Paraguay overcome Venezuela 2-1 in Asuncion and Uruguay clinched a 1-0 home win over Ecuador.