TIL Desk Sports/ Lionel Messi scored a brilliant hat- trick as Argentina sealed their place at the 2018 World Cup with a 3-1 victory over Ecuador here. Barcelona superstar Messi single-handedly rescued Argentina’s World Cup hopes as the South American giants came from behind to win in Quito.
Romario Ibarra had given Ecuador a shock lead after only 38 seconds but Messi struck twice inside the opening 20 minutes to give Argentina the lead before adding a third in the second half.
It was a vintage display from Messi, delivering for Argentina when it mattered most to erase fears that the two- time champions might not qualify for next year’s finals in Russia.
Argentina had got off to a disastrous start, conceding a goal in the opening minute as Ecuador took full advantage of hesitancy in the visiting side’s defensive ranks. Argentina stalwart Javier Mascherano failed to deal with a speculative long ball forward from Dario Aimar, directing a headed clearance into the path of Romario Ibarra.
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