Messi was introduce on the hour mark, and made an immediate impact, doubling Argentina’s lead in the 68th minute who calmly slotted home from close range.
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Up to that point the minnows had held their own, and were only one goal down thanks to a powerful header from Nicolas Otamendi in the seventh minute. His goal set the tone for the rest of the match as Argentina began to threaten the Panama defense with a number of shots. Messi doubled his goal total ten minutes later, beating Peneda on a free kick, once again to the near post. He completed his third goal in the 87th minute after an assist from Marcos Rojo.
Messi brought the crowd to their feet 10 minutes later with an exquisite free-kick and he completed his scoring three minutes from time for his 53rd global goal, moving to within three of the all-time record held by Gabriel Batistuta. That win put Chile level on points, and gave them an outside chance of winning the group, if they prevailed on goal difference.
“Most of all I think that we need to respond to the situation of some players that have yellow cards. how to make some changes without altering the structure of the team”, Martino said. If Messi is inspired, he can kill anyone.
The 28-year-old forward was listed among the substitutes for the match but did not participate as Argentina secured a comfortable 2-1 over the Chileans. “Messi is a man who is above everyone” said Argentina coach Gerardo Martino.
Argentina is ranked number one and is expected to easily to progress through to the next stage of the tournament, but recently it has failed at the final matches of big tournaments.
Argentina were considered a favorite to win Copa America, and with Messi back in action, Argentina are a good bet to go far.
Gomez insists his team will not be afraid of playing the highest ranked team in the world.
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Argentina are now firmly on course to top Group D, with only one game against pointless Bolivia to come. “Not just me, but all the team, just like the first time I came to the US, so very happy and grateful”.
