Lionel Messi scored a breathtaking second-half hat-trick upon his return as Argentina qualified for the Copa America Centenario quarter-finals courtesy of a 5-0 demolition of 10-man Panama in Group D on Friday.
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Messi replaced Augusto Fernandez in the 61st minute, drawing a big ovation from a sea of No. 10 Argentina jerseys and the familiar colors of Barcelona, his club team.
A dazzling display for Lionel Messi on a warm Friday night.
But Argentina’s party was not over and just a few minutes later Sergio “Kun” Agüero was going to score the 5th goal for the Argentinians settling the score a stunning 5-0 that nearly certifies Argentina’s first place in the group “D”.
The 28-year-old skipper, whose hat-trick was highlighted by a stunning 78th-minute free-kick now has 53 internationals goals to his name, closing to within three of Argentina’s all-time record.
Back-to-back wins saw Argentina improve to six points, meaning the 14-time Copa winners can not be eliminated as defending champions Chile and Panama sit three points adrift ahead of their final-game fixture. “But with Messi you make one mistake, and you pay for it”. Not only did Argentina control the ball for almost three-fourths of the match, but it also took advantage of more opportunities than Panama did.
This year should be no different for Argentina has they have the firepower to march back to the final but this time, Messi hopes that he will be lifting the cup this summer.
The Barcelona forward started gingerly but grabbed Argentina’s second in the 68th minute by steering home a left foot shot after a rebound fell to him in the Panama box. “They have more of a squad, with great players and more history”, he said. “I’m very happy with the result and the goals”. Midfielder Valentin Pimentel was carried off on a stretcher in the 20th minute.
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Argentina have qualified for the next stage and will face an already eliminated Bolivia in their last group game. This time, Messi stepped up to take a free-kick. Chasing Argentina around with one less player got even more daunting when Messi trotted on the field in the second half.
