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Another Copa América is about to open, a tournament that has a long history and usually has a good number of Barça representatives among its players. One of these names over the years is none other than Leo Messi, who is about to take part in Copa America for the fifth time in his career. In 2016, the special edition of the centenary of the competition, the Argentine striker left his indelible mark on the tournament coming out of the bench to score a hat trick in just 19 minutes.
The three goals were scored in the second Copa America match played outside the United States in the United States. After a 2-1 win in their opening match against Chile, Argentina coach Tata Martino decided to leave Messi on the bench for the clash with host country Panama. Barça number 10 arrived in the second half and found the net in 67th minute, just six minutes after coming out on the ground.
A typically scathing free kick in the 78th minute followed before an excellent finish in the penalty area while there was only four minutes of remaining regulation time allowed Messi to claim his third goal. A 19-minute tripling of Argentina allowed Martino's team to win a 5-0 win and a quarter-final place.
Leader in the assists and man of the match
In addition, Leo Messi has more assists than any other player in the competition with 11 points. The Barça star has also won nine men's trophies of the match in the history of the tournament and has been a finalist three times, in 2007, 2015 and 2016. This year in Brazil, Messi will aim to add the title of Copa América to his already impressive record.
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