No Messi, No Problem, Argentina Score Three in First-Half Against Hong Kong

With Lionel Messi starting on the bench, Argentina had to look elsewhere for goals against Hong Kong. 

Step forward Sevilla midfielder Ever Banega, who blasted home the opening goal of the game in the 19th minute. It was the third international goal of Banega's career. 

Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain made it 2-0, when he steered a fine header home after a great cross from River Plate's Leonel Vangioni in the 42nd minute. 

"

2-0 Argentina v Hong Kong Gonzalo Higuain header http://t.co/do96JW8Ttf

— 101 Great Goals (@101greatgoals) October 14, 2014"

Then just before half-time, Benfica star Nicolas Gaitan got in on the act, as he fired past a motionless goalkeeper.  

"

Gaitán amplía el resultado en el final del 1T. #Argentina 3-0 #HongKong. @GolDeVestuario https://t.co/UYoZzirbze

— Nicolás Gigli (@nicolasgigli) October 14, 2014"

[Vine, h/t Twitter]