Lionel Messi penalty in the 16th minutes of the first-half was the decisive goal that saw Argentina secure a vital 1-0 win over Chile in World Cup qualifying on Friday morning.
The Barcelona star also used the opportunity to console himself after losing a penalty against Chile in the Copa America. Messi sent Claudio Bravo the wrong direction from the spot kick at the Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti in Buenos Aires.
Chile scored earlier before Argentina’s goal came, but the goal was ruled out for offside position making the host heave a sigh of relief before their home crowd.
Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez almost got a goal for Chile just after the hour-mark, only for the Chilean to watch his free-kick smash against the wood work.
Despite being outplayed in the second half by the visitors, the hosts held on in a huge result for Edgardo Bauza’s men, who rose to third in the table while Chile crashed to the sixth position on the table.
Lionel Messi’s only goal of the match increase his goal tally for national side to 58, as he still remains the all-time highest goal scorer of Argentina.
Argentina will travel to Bolivia on Tuesday to play their 14th match in the
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