The Argentine who suffered a back injury was sidelined for their opening game against Chile. He watched from the bench as team mate Angel Di Maria ran the show by scoring one and assisting another as they won Chile by 2-1.
He was given medical clearance and was ready for their next game against Panama, Coach Tata Martino opted to leave Messi on the bench. Messi was introduced in the 61st minute when Argentina had gone 1- nil up already to score a stunning free-kick and two other goals to complete his hatrick which saw Argentina beat Panama by 5-0.
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| Messi vs Panama |
Panama were also reduced to 10 men at the hour mark as Anibal Godoy was sent off.
Panama coach Hernan Gomez after the game had this to say:
"Before Messi came on, there was no difference in the game," Gomez was quoted as saying.
"Messi is a monster. If you make a mistake and Messi is nearby, you pay for it.
"To play with 10 men, and then later on they put him on, it's daunting."
The coach also said Argentina are quite capable of beating Panama anywhere around the world.
"Argentina will beat Panama anywhere. They have more of a squad, with great players and more history," he said. "I saw important things from Panama in the first half, but after the third goal we collapsed. It was a game that we started losing because of doubts in defence.
"Argentina will beat Panama anywhere. They have more of a squad, with great players and more history," he said. "I saw important things from Panama in the first half, but after the third goal we collapsed. It was a game that we started losing because of doubts in defence.
"But also, I think the margin is a bit bigger than it should have been." The loss leaves Panama needing a win over defending champions Chile in their final Group D fixture to advance to the quarter-finals of the tournament.
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