Dramatic videos of Messi’s hat-trick leading Argentina to World Cup 2018

11 Oct, 2017 08:24 / Updated 7 years ago

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.

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.