Can Lionel Messi catch Cristiano Ronaldo after latest record breaking hat-trick?

Lionel Messi closed the gap with Cristiano Ronaldo in the race for most goals scored in history after his stunning hat-trick in Argentina's 6-0 thrashing of Bolivia.

Messi's treble took him level with Ronaldo on 10 international hat-tricks, creating an intriguing race as both stars enter the last years of their career.

The Argentine captain set up two goals to accompany his remarkable scoring display.

Messi's hat-trick took his international tally to 112 goals and 846 career goals, leaving him just 60 behind Ronaldo's record-breaking 906 goals.

Both stars will return to club football with Inter Miami and Al Nassr and the battle is expected to continue until the end of the 2025 season.

Messi has refused to commit to the 2026 World Cup, but Ronaldo remains eager to represent Portugal in his final major tournament.