Argentina captain Lionel Messi returned from a back injury to score three goals in 30 minutes against Panama in Group D on Friday.
Lionel Messi was very happy to make his return from injury with a second-half hat trick, though the Argentina captain was quick to praise his teammates as they advanced to the Copa America Centenario quarterfinals.
After sitting out as an unused substituted in Argentina's opening win over the defending champion last week due to a niggling back problem, Messi made a breathtaking return to the pitch, scoring three goals in 30 minutes to inspire Friday's 5-0 rout of 10-man Panama in Chicago.
The 28-year-old skipper, whose hat trick was highlighted by a stunning 78th-minute free kick now has 53 internationals goals to his name, closing to within three of Argentina's all-time record.
Speaking after the Group D encounter at Soldier Field, man-of-the-match Messi said: "I am grateful for all this support. It was great to be here, especially because of the public. I am very grateful.
"I lost the pain gradually. Then, I managed to make my first goal. It was a team effort, in a tense game, with very tall grass, dry. It was tricky, but we got where we wanted."
Argentina has two wins from as many matches as the 14-time Copa America champion looks to end the 23-year wait for a major title, following the penalty shootout loss to Chile in last year's tournament.
Messi, who scored within eight minutes of introduction in the 68th minute, continued: "We are doing a good job, growing little by little. By winning the first two games, it is very good."
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