Messi master-class allows Argentina to qualify; Robben retires from Dutch duty

Not in the mood to go through the sports news in detail, but can’t quite get yourself to do away with it either? Here’s what we have to offer: read on to get a summary of all the main sports events that have been covered.

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 at Ecuador .

Cricket

T20 Global League postponed

T20 Global League, South Africa’s response to the Indian Premier League and Australia’s Big Bash League, has been postponed by a year.

The league, which was due to start next month on November 3, has now been pushed to next year in November 2018.

Football

Messi magic helps Argentina qualify for World Cup

Despite going a goal down in the very first minute of their game against Ecuador, Argentina qualified for the World Cup in Russia, thanks largely to a heroic performance from Lionel Messi.

Messi’s hat-trick, which included two goals in the first 20 minutes and another goal in the second half, handed Argentina a 3-1 victory and automatic qualification.

While Uruguay and Colombia also ensured their passage to Russia, Chile were knocked out after they lost their game against already-qualified Brazil 3-0.

In other regions, France and Portugal qualified for the WC with wins in their final fixtures, while USA were eliminated after a shock 2-1 defeat to already-eliminated Trinidad and Tobago.

Netherlands won their final qualifier 2-0, but it wasn't enough for them to even earn a berth for the play-offs. Arjen Robben, who scored both goals in the game against Sweden, announced his international retirement with immediate effect.