One of the last matches in CONMEBOL saw Argentina booked their place for next summer's World Cup as they came from behind to beat Ecuador 3-1. Seconds into the start of the match, Ecuador opened the scoring courtesy of a Romario Ibarra's fine finish from close range. Afterward, Argentina started piling up offensive assaults on the home team's half and in the process, Lionel Messi struck home the equalizer to put Argentina back in the contest. Twenty minutes later, Lionel Messi doubled the lead to put the visitors in front before half-time. However, Ecuador were able to stabilize the match in the early minutes of the second half, playing with width and counter attacks.
But that pattern didn't work as planned as Barcelona's Lionel Messi notched a hat trick to extend Argentina's lead and ultimately won the encounter. The victory automatically sends Argentina to next summer's World Cup in Russia, following Chile's 3-0 loss to Brazil. Argentina finished third with 28 points, while Ecuador is eighth with 20 points. Here are the two things observed in the match.
Argentina started poorly but ended triumphantly
Argentina began the day in sixth position and in danger of not qualifying for a World Cup for the first time since 1970, having drawn at home to Peru. Entering into this match, Argentina needed a win to stand any chance of qualifying, hoping Brazil beats Chile.
However, they made a terrible start in the high altitude of Quito as the home team capitalized on a shaky Argentinian defense to score the opener after thirty-eight seconds of play thanks to a Romario Ibarra's finish. This alone shows how porous Argentina defense line can be as Nicholas Otamendi lacks proper coordination in the center back, but for the intervention of Messi's hat trick, they were able to outrun Ecuador.
It could have been a disaster if Argentina couldn't qualify for the World Cup, having the likes of Paolo Dybala, Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi in their team, who the world considers to be the best attacking front line any team can possess. Nevertheless, with the help of Messi Argentina is now through to the World Cup.
All hail 'Super' Messi
Once again, Lionel Messi showed why he deserves to continually be the best player in the World. The Barcelona star single-handedly qualified Argentina to the World Cup with his astonishing hat-trick. He his very good and brilliant in front of goal. Messi converted all his chances he had in front of goal firing from all angles. Aside from scoring goals, his presence in Argentina attack intimated Ecuador's back line, persistently wrecking havoc and out powering the defense. Messi, indeed, was a godsend to Argentina, rescuing the former World champions with a win, which they actually needed to qualify. Overall, the five-time world player of the year gave a good account of himself by single-handedly securing his country's place in next year's World Cup. No doubt, the whole world can't wait to see Messi perform his magic on the world stage.
