Lionel Messi gives relieved Argentina 1-0 win over Chile in World Cup qualifier

Lionel Messi beat Chile’s Claudio Bravo from the spot in the 16th minute. Argentina moved into third spot in the 10-nation South American World Cup qualifiers group on 22 points

Lionel Messi converted a penalty as Argentina laboured to a 1-0 win over Chile in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday that put them back in the automatic qualifying spots for next year’s finals in Russia.

Lionel Messi reacts after scoring a goal for Argentina against Chile in a FIFA World Cup qualifier. (REUTERS)

Messi beat Claudio Bravo from the spot in the 16th minute after Angel Di Maria had been pushed from behind during a poor, tense match on a terrible River Plate pitch.

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Argentina, a shadow of the team that finished runners-up in 2014, moved into third in the 10-nation South American group on 22 points, eight behind leaders Brazil and one in arrears to second-placed Uruguay. Brazil earlier beat Uruguay 4-1.

Colombia, who beat Bolivia 1-0 at home, are now in the fourth qualifying place with 21 points, one ahead of Chile and Ecuador, who lost 2-1 away to Paraguay.