WC qualifiers: Messi's penalty helps Argentina sink Chile 1-0

Star striker Lionel Messi converted a penalty corner into a goal in the first-half as Argentina edged past Chile 1-0 in their World Cup qualifying clash at the River Plate Stadium here on Friday.

It was in the 16th minute of the match when the Bracelona star sent Claudio Bravo in the wrong way with his spot-kick after Chile's Jose Pedro Fuenzalida brought down Angel Di Maria in the area.

Alexis Sanchez did come close to securing an equalizer for Chile just after the hour-mark, only to see his free-kick smash against the crossbar, goal.com reported.

Although Argentina were outplayed in the second-half of the match, the hosts held on their nerves to climb to the third spot in the 10-nation South American group with 22 points.

Argentina, who finished as runners-up in 2014, are now standing just eight points behind leaders Brazil and one in arrears to second-placed Uruguay.

Meanwhile, Colombia, who swept aside Bolivia 1-0 at home, are standing fourth in the qualifying event with 21 points.