Messi scores, Argentina leaps ahead in 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

M10 scored the only goal of the match from the penalty spot, giving the home team a 1-0 victory over Chile and moving them up to third place in the South American qualifying round.

Argentina secured three crucial points thanks to Messi's solitary goal. Photo: Reuters

Lionel Messi's golden goal came in the 16th minute, after Jose Fuenzalida fouled Angel Di Maria in the penalty area. The Argentina captain deceived his former Barca teammate Claudio Bravo from the penalty spot, finishing with his left foot into the right corner of the net.

Previously, Chile had performed reasonably well despite the absence of Arturo Vidal (who was suspended). Two consecutive victories in the 2015 and 2016 Copa America finals had given them a great deal of confidence. In the 7th minute, the visitors even scored against Argentina, but the goal was disallowed due to offside.

Before this round, Argentina were in fifth place – outside the group that would qualify directly for the 2018 World Cup finals. Therefore, they desperately needed a win to improve their position, especially playing at home in Group B.Buenos AiresAfter narrowly escaping defeat, Argentina regrouped and played with more flair thanks to the Messi-Di Maria duo.

Shortly after scoring the opening goal, his 58th for the national team, Messi scored another goal.The free kick set up a perfect opportunity for center-back Otamendi to rush in and finish, but the ball went just wide of the goal.

Sanchez rattled the crossbar of the Argentina goal with a free-kick.

After the break, both teams struggled to create chances. Argentina were hesitant to take risks, mostly focusing on defense and waiting for counter-attacks. Their only real chance was Messi's shot over the crossbar in the 61st minute. Meanwhile, Chile could have equalized if Alexis Sanchez's free kick had gone into the net instead of hitting the crossbar. Nicolas Castillo also missed another opportunity for the visitors, shooting wide after a cross from Jean Beausejour.

It wasn't until the final whistle blew that Argentinian fans breathed a sigh of relief. Thanks to the three points earned, Messi and his teammates moved up to third place with 22 points, behind only Brazil (30 points) and Uruguay (23 points).Conversely, Chile dropped to sixth place, having the same 20 points as fifth-placed Ecuador but with an inferior goal difference.

The South American qualifying round will award four direct World Cup spots to the top four teams. The fifth-placed team will compete in a play-off against a representative from Oceania for a qualifying spot.

Chile, under coach Pizzi (right), is facing the risk of not qualifying for the World Cup. The South American qualifying round will conclude after five more matches.

According to VNE