Lionel Messi hit a superb hat-trick for Argentina to beat Ecuador 3-1 and secure a Fifa World Cup spot for the Argentines in the South American World cup qualifiers on Tuesday night.  

With Argentina on the brink of elimination the 30-year-old star striker delivered when his country needed him the most, as they avoided a qualification disaster to book their trip to Russia next year.

Rosario Ibarra gave the hosts the lead after just 40 seconds, before Messi brought Argentina level in the 12th minute.

The Barcelona talisman then sealed the deal for Argentina when he slammed home a third in minute 62.

In other games, Uruguay clinched their place with a 4-2 win over Bolivia in Montevideo thanks to a brace from Luis Suarez, while Colombia also made it through despite playing to a one all tie with Peru. Five times world champions Brazil who had already qualified shut out Chile 3-nil courtesy of Gabriel Jesus who netted twice, while Venezuela edged Paraguay one nil.

Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina and Colombia secured qualification for the world cup from South America. Fifth-placed Peru will face New Zealand in a play-off. Chile finished sixth and missed out.