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

Argentina is going to the 2018 World Cup, and Lionel Messi is the reason why. The superstar put his country on his back, scoring a brilliant hat trick in Ecuador to clinch a direct spot to next summer's tournament with a 3-1 victory. 

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.

See highlights below: