Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi made history during the Argentina national team’s 2022 World Cup qualifying fixture against Bolivia.

The veteran forward notched a hat-trick in the match en route to a 3-0 win for La Albiceleste. More so, his second goal of the contest gave him 78 career international goals, which set a record for the most international goals scored by a CONMEBOL player.

PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino did not get the chance to watch the match, but he did react to Messi’s showing during a press conference on Friday.

“I wasn’t awake to watch it,” Pochettino said. “I was sleeping, but I have seen the highlights.

“It was very exciting for Argentina and everyone who loves the country. And especially our players, particularly for Leo Messi, who was desperate to win silverware and the recognition that he got last night was well deserved.

Messi will not feature in PSG’s upcoming Ligue 1 fixture against Clermont Foot, as he just featured in the match against Bolivia.

Still, the Argentine forward is well expected to take part in PSG’s upcoming UEFA Champions League group stage opener against Club Brugge, which will surely be a match to watch.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Heat play 'Herro ball' to stun Celtics in Game 2
Lions extension makes Amon-Ra St. Brown the NFL's highest-paid receiver
Brad Marchand gets winner as Bruins beat Leafs to go up 2-1 in series
Reigning Cy Young winner's disastrous 2024 continues
Timberwolves C overcomes long odds, wins Sixth Man of the Year
Watch: Aaron Judge passes Derek Jeter on Yankees all-time home run list
Why it makes sense that the Steelers declined QB Justin Fields' fifth-year option
Heisman Trust's Reggie Bush decision another sign of NCAA's diminishing power
Peyton Manning rips Jets for failing QB Zach Wilson
'Baaaadd man' Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lifts Thunder to commanding Game 2 win
Golden Knights heading home up 2-0 on Stars
Watch: Thunder G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sets new playoff high
Chargers reportedly targeting this former Jim Harbaugh player in draft
Watch: The Maple Leafs turn up the physicality in Game 3 vs. Bruins
Cavaliers forward to miss rest of first-round series
Latest report provides hint on Cowboys' feelings about Ezekiel Elliott reunion
Three-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher requests a trade from the Bengals
Commanders suddenly cut pass-rusher after NFL reinstatement
Watch: Pirates prospect Paul Skenes' remarkable streak ends
Cowboys make unsurprising move with Micah Parsons

Want more Saint-Germain news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.