Lionel Messi retaliated from an injury break in the best possible by scoring a hat-trick as Argentina stormed into the quarterfinals of the Copa America following a comfortable 5-0 win over Panama in the group stage clash at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Defender Nicolas Otamendi gave Argentina the lead in the seventh minute of the match. Messi came on as a substitute in the 61st minute of the match and went on to smash three back-to-back goals for his side in the 68th, 78th and 87th minute. Messi's second goal was a result of a brilliant taken free kick which
Argentina added fifth goal in their account when Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero netted his 33rd international goal just one minute prior to the full time.
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(With agency inputs)
