SANTIAGO: Argentina opened up a three-point lead in South America’s World Cup qualifying group after goals from Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain gave them a 2-1 victory over Chile on Tuesday.
Argentina weathered an early storm before Messi broke into the box, sidestepped a defender and beat goalkeeper Miguel Pinto in the 28th minute.
Three minutes later Higuain came into the box, rounded two defenders and curled a left-foot shot into Pinto’s far corner.
Argentina have 20 points from nine matches, with Messi and Higuain joint top scorers with Uruguay’s Luis Suarez on seven.
“We faced a team who always create problems for whatever side team they come up against. In the first half, there were more chances for both sides,” Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella told reporters.
Argentina threatened for the first time in the 18th minute when Higuain stole the ball from Gonzalo Jara and his shot was saved.
Ten minutes later, Messi received a long pass, evaded a defender and put Argentina 1-0 up with his first shot on goal.
Chile finally found the net in stoppage time but it was too late to change the outcome of the match. (AP)
