Internet Desk: Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to a 3-0 win over Colombia in a 2018 World Cup South American qualifiers at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario on Tuesday. The Barcelona superstar scored from a stunning free-kick in the 10th minute while Lucas Pratto and Angel Di Maria were also on the score sheet for the Latin American giants.
Messi also set up Lucas Pratto to score from a header in the first half. Angel Di Maria tapped home from a Messi assist in the second half to seal the fate for Argentina. The much needed win took the Argentines at 5th spot, above Colombia in CONMEBOL qualifying.
The two-time world champions had taken just two points from their previous four games to leave themselves languishing just outside the qualification berths in South America’s marathon qualifying tournament.
Tuesday’s victory puts Argentina back into the qualification positions in fifth place with six games remaining.
Argentina coach Bauza made three changes to his side from the one that played against Brazil. Pablo Zabaleta, Enzo Perez and Gonzalo Higuain making way for Gabriel Mercado, Ever Banega and Pratto.
The hosts showed positive intent right from the start with Nicolas Otamendi just missing the target from his header in the sixth minute.
The Argentine captain opened the scoring in the 10th minute with his trademark free-kick from 25 yards, which left the Colombia custodian David Ospina stranded.
The visitors immediately got a golden chance to equalize through Falcao. His powerful header from James Rodriguez free-kick just went over the cross-bar in the 19th minute.
Argentina extended their lead in the 23rd minute through Lucas Pratto. A superb chip from Messi found Pratto, who did no mistake to head home to give his side a 2-0 lead.
Both teams went into the breather with the score line reading 2-0 in favour of the hosts.
Argentina seemed more content to sit back in the second half and the visitors struggled to break them down, while looking vulnerable on the counter-attack.
Angel Di Maria sealed the fate for his side in the 84th minute from a Messi assist.
Messi won the ball in the corner before racing into the area, cutting back for Di Maria to put a finish into the roof of the net and secure victory.