Argentina needed a result on Tuesday night in order to punch a ticket to the 2018 World Cup, and facing a tough trip to Ecuador, they wanted to start off hot. Instead, they started the game in the worst way possible, with Ecuador scoring in the first minute.
With its chances of qualifying dwindling, Lionel Messi put the team on his back by scoring three goals in practically a span of an hour (including two in the first 30 minutes) as Argentina secured a 3-1 win and a ticket to Russia. It was Messi's most iconic performance ever in an Argentina shirt.
Here's his first goal:
Gol, Gol, Gooool, @TeamMessi marca en el minuto 12' que le devuelve la vida a la @Argentina.🔥 pic.twitter.com/5a1hbzVfEv
— beIN SPORTS Español (@ESbeINSPORTS) October 10, 2017
And his brilliant second:
¡GOLAZOOOO¡ @TeamMessi lo vuelve a hacer y ahora pone a ganar a @Argentina en solo 20 minutos de partido.👀🔥😮 pic.twitter.com/FMBg2n9705
— beIN SPORTS Español (@ESbeINSPORTS) October 10, 2017
And the chip for the hat trick in the 61st minute:
#YoAmoAMiSelección El 10 y su magia: #Messi concreta su triplete personal con este remate. ¡Genio! pic.twitter.com/CN91Ms1Lf0
— Selección Argentina (@Argentina) October 11, 2017
A hero for his country once again. The team had to win, and Messi made sure of it.
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