WATCH: Messi Wows Copa Centenario With Hat-Trick Off the Bench

The Argentina icon thrilled the Soldier Field crowd by scoring three times in 29 minutes in his Copa America Centenario debut against Panama

Copa America Centenario fans had to wait a few days longer than expected to see Lionel Messi in action. But once the Argentina icon took to the pitch at Soldier Field on Friday, he did not disappoint.

Coming on as a 61st-minute substitute after sitting out Argentina's opener against Chile with back and rib injuries, Messi recorded a stunning hat trick as the Albiceleste ran riot in a 5-0 victory over Panama.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner took just seven minutes to open his account, benefiting from a failed Panama clearance that ricocheted off the arms of Gonzalo Higuain to convert from close range.

Messi then curled a stunning 30-yard free kick inside Jaime Penedo's near post 12 minutes from time before completing his hat-trick nine minutes later when creating space for himself on the edge of the area and again firing past Penedo.

CREDIT:Goal