Cristiano Ronaldo,Lionel Messi and the race to hat-trick No 50: Argentina star closes gap on rival with stunning treble to lead his nation to Russia 2018

Lionel Messi proved once more on Tuesday evening that he is the man for the big occasion as he hit a stunning hat-trick to seal Argentina's place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The 30-year-old poked home his first after 11 minutes before firing his country in front against Ecuador just seven minutes later. He sealed victory with a stunning finish in the second half.

It was Messi's 44th hat-trick of an incredible career, but amazingly he is still four behind his arch-rival in the treble stakes and the race to 50.