Dramatic videos of Messi’s hat-trick leading Argentina to World Cup 2018
Several clips of the game against Ecuador have been published on the Argentina national football team’s Twitter. Lionel Messi, often hailed as the world’s best player, scored a hat-trick that took Argentina to next year's World Cup finals in Russia.
READ MORE: Messi to miss out? Argentina’s World Cup hopes in balance after draw with Peru
Messi was on target as Argentina came from 1-0 down to secure a 3-1 win against Ecuador in Quito.
#YoAmoAMiSelección El 10 y su magia: #Messi concreta su triplete personal con este remate. ¡Genio! pic.twitter.com/CN91Ms1Lf0
— Selección Argentina (@Argentina) 11 октября 2017 г.
#YoAmoAMiSelección Así convirtió el capitán argentino para el 1-1 parcial ante @FEFecuador. pic.twitter.com/GUF88pzIZS
— Selección Argentina (@Argentina) 10 октября 2017 г.
#YoAmoAMiSelección#Messi presionó y no perdonó. El 10 y su zurda para el 2-1. pic.twitter.com/dccQPXBprW
— Selección Argentina (@Argentina) 10 октября 2017 г.
The victory secured third spot in the South American qualifying group and automatic passage to Russia 2018.
Uruguay beat Bolivia 4-2 to guarantee second place, behind group winners Brazil, who defeated Chile 3-0.
That result meant Copa America champions Chile, who reached the final of the Confederations Cup in Russia in July, finished sixth in the group and missed out on a place at world football's showpiece event next summer.
Peru and Colombia drew 1-1 in Lima, meaning they finished fifth and fourth respectively. Colombia proceed directly to the World Cup, while Peru will need to negotiate an intercontinental play-off against New Zealand.
