Lionel Messi proved to be Argentina's saviour as his stunning hat-trick secured a 3-1 victory over Ecuador and World Cup qualification for Russia 2018.
Two-time world champions Argentina were in danger of missing the showpiece tournament for the first time since 1970, having dropped to sixth and outside of the qualifying positions following three consecutive draws.
But Argentina – who reportedly hired a sorcerer to help bring good energy to the team with their World Cup hopes on the line – fought back as captain and five-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi singlehandedly booked the country's ticket to Russia next year, becoming the first player to score 20 goals in CONMEBOL qualifying in the process.
Ecuador were without Manchester United's Antonio Valencia and Michael Arroyo through suspension following last week's 2-1 loss in Chile. Jefferson Orejuela also dropped out as Pedro Velasco, Francisco Cevallos and Ibarra came into the line-up.
Argentina – who only required a win to claim at least fifth position and a play-off berth against New Zealand – could not have dreamed of a worse start in Quito after conceding in just the 38th second – their fastest goal conceded in World Cup qualifying history.
Fans barely had the chance to take their seats as Ibarra – making just his second international appearance – played a neat headed one-two with Ordonez on the edge of the area before firing past goalkeeper Sergio Romero.
Some sublime play between Messi and Di Maria carved up Ecuador as the former surged into the penalty area after playing the ball out left to the Paris Saint-Germain winger before side-footing past Maximo Banguera.
He almost turned provider for Di Maria just past the half-hour mark, but the winger's close-range effort was saved by Banguera.
