Lionel Messi scored yet again inspiring Argentina to a 2-1 victory away to Chile in 2014 World Cup qualifying on Tuesday evening.
The Barcelona superstar netted the opener on 28 minutes, before Gonzalo Higuain added the second, with the hosts getting a consolation in stoppage time through Felipe Gutierrez.
Messi’s performance left coach Alejandro Sabella in awe, heaping praise on his superstar attacker.
“Messi is playing exceptional football. He`s really, really inspired and the group around him is responding,” Sabella said.
The result means Argentina are now three points clear of second-placed Ecuador in qualifying in South America after nine matches.
Ecuador were held to a 1-1 draw away to Venezuela, who are now up to fourth, while bottom-placed Paraguay claimed a much-needed 1-0 triumph over Peru thanks to Pablo Aguilar’s strike.
Bolivia enhanced their hopes of qualifying for Brazil 2014 with a crushing 4-1 victory over Uruguay, who are now without a win in four qualifiers. Carlos Saucedo netted a hat-trick for the Bolivians.