Oct 11th, 2017

Oct 11th, 2017

Lionel Messi's hat-trick has lifted Argentina into the World Cup on a dramatic last day of South American qualifying action, to keep the Albiceleste from missing out for the first time since 1970.

The two-time champions - and losing finalists three years ago in Brazil - rode Messi's goals in the thin air of the Andes and rallied for a 3-1 win over Ecuador, who took a lead after just 37 seconds.

"I told the group that Messi does not owe Argentina a World Cup, but rather football owes the world to him," Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli said.

"Argentina took a step forward, and in time we can be competitive."

Elsewhere, Uruguay beat Bolivia 4-2, Colombia drew 1-1 with Peru and last-place Venezuela beat Paraguay 1-0.

The top four teams in South America receive automatic berths to Russia 2018 and the results meant Uruguay (31 points), Argentina (28 points) and Colombia (27 points) joined group winners Brazil (41 points) - who clinched a spot months ago.

Peru (26 points) finished fifth and to keep alive their bid for a first World Cup appearance since 1982 after edging Chile for the intercontinental playoff spot next month against Oceania champions New Zealand.

On a dramatic last day of continental qualifying tournaments, six South American teams - separated by only four points over 17 matches - had an opportunity at the World Cup entering play.

Martin Caceres, Edinson Cavani and two from Luis Suarez gave Uruguay a commanding lead in Montevideo before Diego Godin's own goal made it 4-2 against Bolivia.

A second-half goal from Paolo Guerrero gave Peru a 1-1 with Colombia, his brilliant free kick in Lima cancelling out the opener from James Rodriguez.

Chile and Paraguay missed out at the last moment.

Brazil cruised past visitors Chile 3-0, the 12th straight unbeaten qualifying game for coach Tite.

Bottom side Venezuela stunned hosts Paraguay 1-0 to end their qualification hopes.

It looked easy in the end for Argentina but it wasn't, particularly after Romario Ibarra gave Ecuador a 1-0 lead in the first minute.

"Even with a goal against us you could see the certainty of a team that knew how to play the game," Sampaoli said.

Make that Messi.

Messi scored off a pass from Angel Di Maria in the 12th minute, left-footing home from close range.

In the 20th, Di Maria slipped a pass through to Messi, who drove the ball into the top corner from 15 yards.

Messi got his third on 62 minutes when he took on two defenders before lifting his shot over Ecuador keeper Maximo Banguera.

"I won't make any promises," said Sampaoli, the third coach in this qualifying cycle for Argentina.

"The nationality of the best player in the world is luckily Argentine."

SOUTH AMERICA'S QUALIFIED TEAMS FOR THE WORLD CUP

Brazil

Uruguay

Argentina

Colombia

TEAM THROUGH TO INTERCONTINENTAL QUALIFYING PLAYOFF

Peru

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