World Cup 2018: Argentina, Portugal, Panama qualify; USA, Chile out

[admin2]

"I told the group: Messi did not owe the World Cup to Argentina, but football owed the World Cup to Messi."

Coach Jorge Sampaoli was speaking after a Lionel Messi hat-trick against Ecuador - the 44th of his career - ensured Argentina survived a scare to reach the World Cup finals.

The 2014 runners-up began the day sixth in the group, knowing only a top-four place would see them qualify automatically for Russia.

They made a terrible start in Quito, conceding inside 38 seconds, but the Barcelona superstar led Argentina's fight back to ensure they secured their place in next year's tournament.

It was part of a remarkable night of football that saw:

Panama qualify for their first World Cup with a controversial goal in a 2-1 win over Costa Rica
The United States miss out on the tournament for the first time since 1986 after losing to Trinidad & Tobago
Chile manager Juan Antonio Pizzi step down after his side lost to Brazil to miss out on qualifying for their third consecutive World Cup
Portugal beat Switzerland to replace them at the top of their qualifying group but the Netherlands go out despite winning