Messi chalks up No.50 in Argentina win

Lionel Messi converted from the penalty spot for his 50th international goal as Argentina beat Bolivia 2-0 in their 2018 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

The win put Argentina third in the South American group with 11 points from six matches, two points behind joint leaders Ecuador and Uruguay.

Ecuador suffered their first loss in the group, going down 3-1 in Colombia, while Uruguay scored a 1-0 home win over Peru.

Argentina defender Gabriel Mercado, who scored the winner in Thursday's 2-1 away victory over Chile, opened the scoring in the 21st minute against Bolivia.

Argentina were awarded a penalty in the 29th minute after Ronald Eguino fouled midfielder Ever Banega, and Messi made no mistake as he racked up the half century for Argentina, putting him within six of Gabriel Batistuta's record.

"It was fundamental to get the six points," Argentina coach Gerardo Martino told TyC Sports of the two wins.

"I think we played a serious match and won well."

Brazil, who are playing in Paraguay in a later match, can join Argentina in moving within two points of ladder-leading Ecuador with a win.