Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina qualified for World Cup 2018 in Russia while heavyweights Netherlands and Chile missed out.

Argentina was sixth in the standing and needed to finish inside the top-four to secure automatic qualification.

They conceded after just 40 seconds until Messi led the fightback with a brilliant hat-trick.

Chile, winners of past two Copa America titles, missed out on qualification after losing 3-0 to Brazil with Paulinho scoring one and Gabriel Jesus netting two for the five-time winners. Chile finished sixth, one place behind Peru, who will play a two-legged play-off against New Zealand for qualification.

Panama left it late to defeat Costa Rica 2-1 to secure their first ever World Cup berth. The United States failed to qualify after losing 2-1 to Tinidad and Tobago. USA was third in the group but a defeat for them and victory for Panama saw them finish fifth while propelling Panama to third place.

Meanwhile, Netherlands Captain Arjen Robben announced his retirement from international football after his side failed to secure a place to Russia despite defeating Sweden 2-0. Netherlands finished third behind Sweden, who had a superior goal difference than the Dutch side.