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Lionel Messi's Argentina have lost only one game in their last 49 matches. In their latest game, against Bolivia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers on Tuesday (September 12), they registered a 3-0 victory.
The incredible streak started with a win in the third-place game at the 2019 Copa America in Brazil. La Albiceleste then embarked on an incredible 36-game win streak - including an unbeaten 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign - before the run was snapped by Saudi Arabia in the World Cup opener.
However, Lionel Scaloni's men recovered from that shock defeat, winning their next six games. That included beating defending champions France on penalties in the final to win their third World Cup.
Since then, La Albiceleste have won six more games - including two in the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifiers - and that too without conceding. In other words, over the last four years, the reigning world champions have lost just once in 49 games across competitions.
Several fans have reacted with joy to La Albiceleste's incredible record. One of them claimed that Messi could even win a ninth Ballon d'Or next year (assuming he wins his eighth in 2023) by leading Argentina to Copa America glory (given he wins his eighth title in 2023).
They tweeted:
"Messi wins Copa America next year, and we push for his 9th Ballon d'Or."
Another simply commented:
"The GOAT influence"
Here are the top reactions on X, formerly called Twitter.
With the win over Bolivia, Argentina have won both their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers; they also beat Ecuador 1-0 at home last week. Messi and Co. are second in the standings, trailing Brazil on goal difference.
How did Argentina fare against Bolivia sans Lionel Messi?
Lionel Messi was left out of his team's matchday squad that took on Bolivia in La Paz on Tuesday. The 36-year-old was also subbed off in the previous game due to fatigue.
But despite playing in the high altitude of La Paz and without their talismanic captain, Lionel Scaloni's men ran havoc. Enzo Fernandez opened the scoring in the 31st minute before Bolivian defender Roberto saw red eight minutes later.
Nicolas Tagliafico doubled La Albiceleste's lead three minutes from the break. Nicolas Gonzalez added a third seven minutes from time, giving Argentina only their fifth World Cup qualifier win in La Paz.
