LIONEL MESSI scored a second half hat-trick in just 26 minutes to fire Argentina to victory and into the Copa America quarter-finals.
STUNNING: Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in less than half an hour for Argentina
The Barcelona forward was cheered by fans in Chicago whenever he went to warm-up after being named as a substitute.
And when he finally entered proceedings in the 61st minute with Argentina winning 1-0 he predictably stole the show.
Within seven minutes of being on the pitch he clinically found the back of the net to put the game beyond Panama.
Messi's second was from a direct free-kick which was placed perfectly in the corner giving Panama goalkeeper Jaime Penedo no chance.
But the world's best footballer wasn't done there as he completed his hat-trick in 87th minute as he found himself through on goal after slack defending.
There was still time for Messi to add further insult to injury, as he turned provider to give fellow substitute Sergio Aguero a chance on goal, and the Manchester City hitman made no mistake with his effort.
The second half was always going to be a tough ask after Panama's Anibal Godoy was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 31st minute.
Up to that point the minnows had held their own, and were only one goal down thanks to a powerful header from Nicolas Otamendi in the seventh minute.
OPENER: Nicolas Otamendi scored the first goal of the match in the seventh minute
One concern for Argentina was Angel di Maria going off late in the first half with an injury.
But the win means they qualify for the quarter-finals with their final group match against Bolivia still to be played.
In the other Copa America game of the day Chile beat Bolivia 2-1 thanks to a 90th minute penalty scored by Arturo Vidal.
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