Argentina 5 Panama 0: Lionel Messi comes off the bench to net magnificent hat-trick
Barcelona superstar started as a sub again but inspired Argentina through to the quarter-finals of the Copa America
LIONEL MESSI netted a superb hat-trick from the bench as Argentina cruised into the quarter-finals of the Copa America.
Gerardo Martino opted to play the same XI who were so convincing against Chile and the late-arriving Messi had to make do with a subs appearance.
But a finely struck half volley and a trademark freekick added to Nicholas Otamendi's early header to send Argentina into the last eight.
The decision to not start Messi seemed vindicated within just eight minutes, as Angel Di Mari's deliciously inviting cross was headed into the corner by the unmarked Otamendi.
But Panama refused to be bullied by their more illustrious opponents and were bold going forward, Alberto Quintero having a golden chance to equalise.
Felipe Baloy and Javier Mascerano came together in ugly scenes that could've seen both players sent off, with Baloy putting his face into the Argentine.
But it was Anibal Godoy who saw red for Panama, stupidly lashing out at Di Maria off the ball.
For all the star quality in the Argentina side, it wasn't until the second period that they properly got into some sort of rhythm.
Gonzalo Higuain linked up beautifully with Di Maria only to see his shot saved, before the Napoli man was sent through one-on-one but was brilliantly denied by Baloy.
If Panama weren't struggling enough, Argentina brought Messi off the bench just past the hour.
The Barca superstar took eight minutes to find the net, lashing home on the half volley to seal the points and qualification.
He then confirmed his status as the world's best with a trademark freekick, looped into the top corner from 25 yards.
And he capped it off by sealing his hat-trick three minutes from time, curling past Jaime Penedo from the edge of the box.
There was even time for Sergio Aguero to get in on the party, nodding in from close range after a wonderful cross field ball from Messi.
Boss Gerardo Martino beamed: "Messi is a man above everyone else."