Thursday , March 28 2024

Copa America-Messi scores hat-trick in 19 minutes

Lionel Messi needed just 19 minutes on the pitch to fire home a hat-trick and help Argentina through to the Copa America quarterfinals with a resounding 5-0 win over Panama.

The Barcelona striker showed he was fighting fit following a back injury scoring just seven minutes after coming off the bench when his side were leading 1-0.

This was followed by another two goals from a free kick in the 78th minute and a left-footed chip in the 87th minute.

Alongside Coutinho of Brazil, Messi is now the tournament’s top scorer.

The Argentine has played just 29 minutes to give an impressive average of 10 minutes per goal with 100 per cent of his shots on target.

Nicolas Otamendi opened the scoring in the first half with Sergio Aguero hitting home the fifth in the final minute.

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