Leo roars and scores three to bring down Ecuador 3-1

On the brink of being eliminated from World Cup qualifying for the first time in almost five decades, Messi scored all three goals in Argentina's comeback 3-1 victory on Tuesday at Ecuador overcoming the thin air in the Andes.

"It would've been crazy if Argentina didn't play the World Cup," said Messi, adding that the team "will change, will grow a lot, will be stronger after this."

But there's still work to do for Argentina, the two-time champions, who lost the final three years ago to Germany 1-0. Messi has yet to hoist a major trophy for his country of birth, a contrast to the laurels he's brought Barcelona.

He'll turn 31 during the World Cup in Russia, so this may be his last chance.

"Messi does not owe Argentina a World Cup, but rather football owes him a World Cup," Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli said.

The top four teams in South America get automatic spots at next year's tournament in Russia. Brazil has 41 points and clinched months ago. The other three advancing Tuesday went in this order: Uruguay (31), Argentina (28) and Colombia (27).

Uruguay beat Bolivia 4-2, Argentina won 3-1, Colombia drew 1-1 with Peru and last-place Venezuela beat Paraguay 1-0.

Peru (26) placed fifth and will keep alive its bid for a first World Cup appearance since 1982 after edging Chile for the South American spot in the inter-continental playoff next month against Oceania representative New Zealand.

On a dramatic last day of continental qualifying tournaments, six South American teams separated by only four points over 17 matches had shots at the World Cup entering play.

Chile, after a 3-0 loss to Brazil, and Paraguay missed out. Venezuela, Bolivia and Ecuador were already out of contention.

There was a major shock further north in the Americas with the US slipping from third spot to fifth in CONCACAF qualifying for teams in North and Central America and the Caribbean with a loss in Trinidad and missing out on the World Cup.

Panama secured the third automatic direct entry behind Mexico and Costa Rica, and Honduras finished fourth and secured a spot in a playoff against Australia.

It looked easy for Argentina. But it wasn't, particularly after Romario Ibarra gave Ecuador a 1-0 lead in the first minute at 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) in Ecuador's capital.

"Even with a goal against us you could see the certainty of a team that knew how to play the game," Sampaoli said.

Messi for sure, and running mate Angel di Maria. Messi scored off a pass from Di Maria in the 12th, left-footing home from close range. In the 20th, Di Maria slipped a pass through to Messi, who drove the ball into the top corner from 15 yards.