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WATCH: Lionel Messi scores 19-minute hat-trick for Argentina in Copa America against Panama

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Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to an emphatic 5-0 win over Panama in the Copa America.

Lionel Messi came off the bench to score a 19-minute hat-trick as Argentina romped to victory over Panama in the Copa America.

The Barcelona forward was introduced just after the hour mark in El Salvador and took just seven minutes to score the first of his treble.

Messi hits hat-trick on return
Messi hits hat-trick on return

Lionel Messi came off the bench to hit a hat-trick as Argentina beat 10-man Panama 5-0

Manchester City duo Nicolas Otamendi and Sergio Aguero also scored as Argentina ran out easy 5-0 winners against 10-man Panama and qualified for the quarter-finals of the Copa America. 

Gerardo Martino started with the same side that beat Chile with Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain spearheading his attack. 

Otamendi opened the scoring after seven minutes when he headed an Angel Di Maria free-kick past the despairing Jaime Penedo.

The home side were then reduced to 10 men when Anibal Godoy, who was one of five players booked in the first 20 minutes of the game, was given a second yellow for raising his arm off the ball at Nicolas Gaitan.  

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 10:  A fan is brought down by a security guard after reaching Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina after a match against Panama in the 2016 Cop
Image: A fan came onto the pitch after Argentina's victory

Messi then made his return from injury to put the game beyond doubt with his brace before Aguero turned in a Marcos Rojo header from close range. 

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Hit the video at the top of the page to watch his treble.

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